Systems and Methods for Advanced Grain Storage and Management Using Predictive Analytics and Anomaly Detection

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure describes methods and apparatus for remote sensing with data science. The methods and apparatus have many applications including monitoring the quality of grain during storage and/or transport. The present disclosure describes a way to collect temperature and other environmental data to describe and predict quality of stored grains, current and future, based on a myriad factors including fumigation, external temperature and humidity, in storage grain temperature and humidity.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/932,103, filed Nov. 7, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

The present patent document relates generally to sensors and data analytics and, more particularly, to apparatus and systems that enable monitoring, logging, and/or acting on sensory data using data science and a sensor structure uniquely well-suited to crop storage applications, and in particular, grain storage. Some aspects of this disclosure improve ease of monitoring grain in storage, reducing quality degradation of stored grain, and optimizing decisions related to the purchase and sale of grains.

BACKGROUND

With the world population expected to increase to over nine billion people within the next thirty years, global food supplies will need to increase by 60% to ensure food security. Maximizing the efficiency of food production requires end-to-end management of agriculture from crop production through post-harvest. However, it is estimated that 1.3 billion tons of food is lost or wasted every year between harvest and consumption.

Cereal grains are estimated to supply half of the world's calorie intake, so even a small amount of post-harvest losses represents a significant loss in available food. Estimates of cereal post-harvest losses range between 2-10% of total production, varying based on region. Since grain is typically harvested once or twice a year but consumed year-round, long-term storage of harvests is critical to the overall grain value chain. Reducing grain losses during storage represents a reduction in waste of water, energy, and available food. Developing solutions to reduce storage losses is important in combating food waste and improving global food security.

Food loss consists of quantity losses as well as quality losses. Quality losses include loss of nutritional value, damage, change in nutritional composition, and reductions in processing yields. Quantity losses are actual reductions in total weight. Unfavorable storage conditions lead to insect infestation, mold growth, and rodent damage, which are major causes of both quality and quantity losses.

Corn, soybeans, and rice are three important crops for American farmers, each of which are susceptible to significant post-harvest loss during storage. For example, rice is one of the most important crops grown in California's Sacramento valley and more than 40 million hundredweights (equivalent to roughly 1.8 billion kg) of rice are produced every year. Rice is harvested when moisture ranges between 18% to 22% but it is dried down to 13% to 14% to for safe, long-term storage. Rice needs to be maintained at an appropriate temperature and moisture to preserve its quality. In fact, according to a survey conducted by the University of California Cooperative Extension of rice storage facilities, on-farm operations identified maintaining appropriate grain moisture as one of the most important problems respondents faced, followed by insect infestation and grain temperature. Biological degradation can also negatively affect the rice grade. High grain temperatures and moistures provide optimal conditions for mold growth and insect infestation, which can lead to a loss in grade of rice, and may also cause odors that can further reduce the value of rice.

The same issues apply to corn and soybeans, which are the major crops grown in the Midwest. For example, moisture levels in harvested soybeans greatly influence the profitability and quality of the product. Beans delivered above or below 13% moisture can lose potential profit. At greater than 13% moisture, there is a moisture dock on the scale ticket for delivering wet beans, resulting in a lower price per bushel. At less than 13% moisture, profit is lost because the reduced weight means there are fewer bushels measured from a given volume of grain—the farmer does not get paid for the weight of the moisture that is missing.

A common method for monitoring the condition of stored product utilizes temperature cables in storage structures and probing of grain for moisture content before delivery. Some medium and large sized American farms are fitted with sensor cables to monitor the temperature and moisture. However, these technologies lack predictive insight and require significant labor resources to operate, which often precludes full realization of potential gains in efficiency and profitability. To detect a pocket of spoiling grain, commonly referred to as a hotspot, moisture content temperature must be measured in or near the spoilage because moisture and heat do not diffuse outward readily. Deterioration occurring in the stored grain over half of a meter away from the temperature sensor could proceed into advanced stages before any noticeable rise in temperature is recorded. Hence, alternative methods of detection need to be developed and incorporated into stored grain management protocols that enable detection of the onset of biological activity in a timelier manner. The early detection of grain spoilage will limit product damage and help prevent dangerous mycotoxins in the food chain, which can cause death and disease in humans and animals. Early detection will also help avoid financial loss by allowing the application of timely and appropriate control measures. Thus, new sensor apparatuses and systems are useful to mitigate these issues.

Improved methods and systems for data collection are also needed to prevent a negative impact from post-harvest loss on quality and profitability. Currently, data are often collected from grain silos manually. For example, some grain silos have hanging thermocouples that require manual data collection. There are mechanisms to monitor grain spoilage by detecting changes in temperature, typically using sensor cables, but these technologies are real-time and lack predictive insight. They can give alerts once the temperature reaches a high enough value to indicate a problem, but often it is too late, and the grains are already spoiled by the time the alert is observed. Temperature data collected by these thermocouples are generally left as raw data, subject to interpretation and not made into an actionable format for users. An operator using this technology is left using their intuition and best guess for such critical operational decisions as running aeration fans, blending, or moving the grain to a new storage structure. There is a need for a more comprehensive solution that can aggregate data from multiple sensors, allow better central monitoring, and predict problems before they occur.

Finally, there is no one single, uniform metric that determines grain quality. The United States Department of Agriculture has established grades and standards that allow importers to gauge the quality of American grain. However, the grades do not provide detailed information that is often important to processors, such as nutritional composition, free fatty acid content (for soybeans), or falling number (for wheat). The use of these grades denies growers of any premiums and processors from being able to provide exact specifications in their bids. An objective measurement is needed that allows quality assessment at a high level of detail, which can also allow direct comparison between different grain types and varieties.

SUMMARY

Improved systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed that enable facile monitoring of grain stored in a storage environment. The systems utilize sensor units that can communicate data to and from a gateway over a first network. The systems also utilize a second network to communicate data between the gateway and a cloud computing system. The cloud computing system performs analysis on the environmental data collected by the sensors, thereby providing predictive analytics that can be used for responsive automation. The apparatuses, systems, and methods disclosed herein represent a significant advancement over those currently used in the field of grain storage and monitoring.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a sensor unit for detecting or providing information about characteristics of an environment. The sensor unit comprises an upper enclosure. The upper enclosure contains at least the following: a power supply; a memory; a processor, the processor configured to execute instruction in the memory and to read and write data to and from the memory; a radio receiver; a radio transmitter; and one or more upper enclosure sensors. The one or more upper enclosure sensors comprises at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an oxygen sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, a phosphine sensor, an acoustic sensor, an ethylene sensor, a positioning sensor, an accelerometer, and a pressure sensor. The upper enclosure comprises a permeable area, thereby allowing the one or more sensors to detect the environment. The sensor unit further comprises an elongated shaft, the elongated shaft coupled to the upper enclosure. The elongated shaft comprises one or more local shaft sensors, wherein the one or more local shaft sensors comprise at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an oxygen sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, a phosphine sensor, an acoustic sensor, an ethylene sensor, a positioning sensor, an accelerometer, and a pressure sensor. The sensor unit further comprises an antenna. In some embodiments, the antenna is coupled to the upper enclosure and configured to wirelessly transmit data and receive data. The power supply is coupled to the memory chip, the processor, the radio receiver, the radio transmitter, the one or more upper enclosure sensors, and the one or more local shaft sensors. The memory chip is coupled to the processor, the radio receiver, the radio transmitter, the one or more upper enclosure sensors, and the one or more local shaft sensors. The processor is coupled to the radio receiver, the radio transmitter, the one or more upper enclosure sensors, and the one or more local shaft sensors. The antenna is coupled to the radio transmitter and the radio receiver.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a sensor unit for detecting or providing information about characteristics of an environment. The sensor unit comprises an upper enclosure. The upper enclosure contains at least the following: a power supply; a memory; a processor, the processor configured to execute instruction in the memory and to read and write data to and from the memory; a radio receiver; and a radio transmitter. The sensor unit further comprises an elongated shaft, the elongated shaft coupled to the upper enclosure. The elongated shaft comprises one or more local shaft sensors, wherein the one or more local shaft sensors comprise at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an oxygen sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, a phosphine sensor, an acoustic sensor, an ethylene sensor, a positioning sensor, an accelerometer, and a pressure sensor. The sensor unit further comprises an antenna. In some embodiments, the antenna is coupled to the upper enclosure and configured to wirelessly transmit data and receive data. The power supply is coupled to the memory chip, the processor, the radio receiver, the radio transmitter, and the one or more local shaft sensors. The memory chip is coupled to the processor, the radio receiver, the radio transmitter, and the one or more local shaft sensors. The processor is coupled to the radio receiver, the radio transmitter, and the one or more local shaft sensors. The antenna is coupled to the radio transmitter and the radio receiver.

In another embodiment, the sensor unit comprises one or more upper enclosure sensors contained in the upper enclosure. The one or more upper enclose sensors is coupled to power supply, the memory chip, the processor, the radio receiver, and the radio transmitter. The one or more upper enclosure sensors comprise at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an oxygen sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, a phosphine sensor, an acoustic sensor, an ethylene sensor, a positioning sensor, an accelerometer, and a pressure sensor. The upper enclosure comprises a permeable area, thereby allowing the one or more upper enclosure sensors to detect the environment.

In another embodiment, the upper enclosure sensors comprise a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor.

In another embodiment, the one or more local shaft sensors comprises a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor, the first temperature sensor and second temperature sensor located at different positions along the elongated shaft.

In another embodiment, the one or more local shaft sensors further comprises a first humidity sensor and a second humidity sensor, the first humidity sensor and second humidity sensor located at different positions along the elongated shaft.

In another embodiment, the one or more local shaft sensors comprises a temperature sensor.

In another embodiment, the one or more local shaft sensors comprises a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor.

In another embodiment, the sensor unit communicates to a cloud computing system over a long-range network.

In another embodiment, the long-range network is a cellular network.

In another embodiment, the sensor unit communicates with one or more additional sensor devices over a local network.

In another embodiment, the local network is a meshing network or a star network.

In another embodiment, the sensor unit communities with one or more additional sensor devices over a LoRaWAN network.

In another embodiment, the one or more upper enclosure sensors comprises a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a phosphine sensor.

In another embodiment, the one or more sensors further comprises at least one of the following: an oxygen sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, a phosphine sensor, an acoustic sensor, a positioning sensor, an accelerometer, and a pressure sensor.

In another embodiment, the sensor unit is configured to be in two possible modes: an active mode, in which power from the power supply is delivered to the radio transmitter and the radio receiver, or a sleep mode, in which power from the power supply is not delivered to the radio transmitter or the radio receiver; wherein the sensor unit can switch between the active mode and the sleep mode and between the sleep mode and the active mode.

In another embodiment, the sensor unit will switch from the sleep mode to the active mode upon at least one of the following: data received by the sensor unit is outside of a predetermined range or a predetermined set of ranges; data received by the sensor unit is different from or substantially different from a predetermined value or a predetermined set of values; the sensor unit was in the sleep mode for a predetermined time period; the sensor unit detects pressure and/or movement; and the sensor unit detects a wireless signal.

In another embodiment, the sensor unit will switch from the sleep mode to the active mode upon detecting a wireless signal.

In another embodiment, the sensor unit will switch form the sleep mode to the active mode upon detecting a wireless signal and the wireless signal is a Bluetooth signal.

In another embodiment, the sensor unit will automatically transfer data to the cloud computing system upon switching from sleep mode to active mode.

In another embodiment, the sensor unit switches from the active mode to the sleep mode upon at least one the following: data received by the sensor unit is within a predetermined range or ranges; data received by the sensor unit is equal to or substantially equal to a predetermined value or values; the sensor unit was in the active mode for a predetermined time period; and the sensor unit cannot find connectivity to a wireless network for a predetermined time period.

In another embodiment, at least part of the antenna is located outside the upper enclosure.

In another embodiment, the antenna is retractable, thereby allowing the antenna to be enclosed within the upper enclosure.

In another embodiment, the antenna is entirely enclosed within the upper enclosure.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a system for detecting an anomalous condition in grain in a grain storage environment comprising: a first sensor unit located at a first position, the first sensor unit detecting an environmental variable of the grain storage environment, generating a first environmental data set, and transmitting a first environmental data set directly or indirectly to a cloud computing system; a second sensor unit located at a second position, the second sensor unit detecting an environmental variable of the grain storage environment, generating a second environmental data set, and transmitting the second environmental data set directly or indirectly to the cloud computing system; the cloud computing system, the cloud computing system directly or indirectly receiving the first environmental data set from the first sensor unit and the second environmental data set from the second sensor unit, analyzing the first environmental data set and the second environmental data set, and generating an output; and a first wireless network communicating the first environmental data set directly or indirectly from the first sensor unit to the cloud computing system, and communicating the second environmental data set directly or indirectly from the second sensor unit to the cloud computing system. The first environmental data set and the second environmental data set each comprise at least one of the following: temperature data, humidity data, oxygen data, carbon dioxide data, phosphine data, ethylene data, pressure data, and acoustic data. The cloud computing system compares the first environmental data set to the second environmental data set thereby detecting an anomalous condition in the grain located between the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit. The cloud computing system generates the output upon detecting the anomalous condition in the grain.

In another embodiment, the system further comprises an exhaust or a fan that increases airflow in the grain storage environment, and wherein the first sensor unit is located upstream from the from the second sensor unit.

In another embodiment, the first environmental data set and the second environmental data set each comprise temperature data and the anomalous condition in the grain is a hotspot or a developing hotspot.

In another embodiment, the system detects the presence of the hotspot by comparing the first environmental data set and the second environmental data set.

In another embodiment, the system further comprises a third sensor unit that detects environmental variables of air leaving the grain storage environment, generates a third environmental data set, and transmits the third environmental data set to the cloud computing system. The cloud computing system analyzes the third environmental data set and compares the third environmental data set to the first and second environmental data sets thereby detecting the anomalous condition in the grain.

In another embodiment, the first environmental data set and the second environmental data set each comprise humidity data, and the anomalous condition in the grain is a local humidity level exceeding the dewpoint.

In another embodiment, the output generated by the cloud computing system causes an increase in aeration of the grain in the grain storage environment.

In another embodiment, the first environmental data set and the second environmental data set each comprise temperature data and humidity data.

In another embodiment, the anomalous condition is either a hotspot, developing hotspot, spoilage of the grain, or an elevated likelihood of spoilage of the grain.

In another embodiment, the anomalous condition is an elevated likelihood of spoilage.

In another embodiment, the output generated by the system is an alarm or an alert.

In another embodiment, the output generated by the cloud computing system causes a change in the aeration level of the grain storage environment.

In another embodiment, the output generated by the cloud computing system comprises a suggestion for adjusting aeration of the grain storage environment.

In another embodiment, the output generated by the cloud computing system causes a change in the temperature of the grain storage environment.

In another embodiment, the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit connect to the wireless network using at least one of the following: a wi-fi connection, a cellular connection, and a satellite connection.

In another embodiment, the cloud computing system detects the anomalous condition by applying a trained algorithm to the first environmental data set and the second environmental data set, and wherein the trained algorithm is trained using machine learning.

In another embodiment, the cloud computing system further compares first environmental data set and the second environmental data set to an external environmental data set derived from ambient weather conditions in or near the grain storage environment, thereby detecting the anomalous condition the in the grain.

In another embodiment, the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit are spaced between about 5 feet and about 35 feet apart.

In another embodiment, the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit are spaced between about 10 feet and about 20 feet apart.

In another embodiment, the system further comprises a gateway, and the first sensor unit transmits the first environmental data set indirectly to the cloud computing system via the gateway and the second sensor unit transmits data indirectly to the cloud computing system via the gateway. The first sensor unit transmits the first environmental data set to the gateway over the first network, and the second sensor unit transmits the second environmental data set to the gateway over the first network. The gateway transmits the first environmental data set and the second environmental data set to the cloud computing system over a second network.

In another embodiment, the first sensor unit transmits the first environmental data set directly to the cloud computing system via the first network and wherein the second senor unit transmits the second environmental data set indirectly to the cloud computing system. The second sensor unit transmits the second environmental data set to the first sensor unit over a second network, and the first sensor unit transmits the second environmental data set to the cloud computing system over the first network.

In another embodiment, the first environmental data set and the second environmental data set each further comprises at least one of the following: oxygen data, carbon dioxide data, phosphine data, ethylene data, pressure data, and acoustic data.

In another embodiment, the system collects environmental data at a first data collection rate and a second data collection rate, and the system automatically switches from the first data collection rate to the second data collection rate when the system determines that the exhaust or fan is activated.

In another embodiment, the system determines that the exhaust or fan is activated by detecting airflow in the grain storage environment, detecting sound levels in the grain storage environment, or detecting an electrical current flowing to the exhaust or fan.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a sensor-enhanced fastener for detecting or providing information about characteristics of an environment, the fastener having a first end and a second end. The fastener comprises a distal enclosure located at the first end the fastener and an elongated body coupled to the distal enclosure. The distal enclosure contains at least the following: a power supply, a memory chip, a processor, the processor configured to execute instructions in the memory and to read and write data to and from the memory, a radio receiver, a radio transmitter, and an antenna. The elongated body comprises an external surface and the elongated body is coupled to one or more sensors. The one or more sensors comprise at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an oxygen sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, a phosphine sensor, an acoustic sensor, an ethylene sensor, a positioning sensor, an accelerometer, and a pressure sensor. The power supply is coupled to the memory chip, the processor, the radio receiver, the radio transmitter, the antenna, and the one or more sensors. The memory chip is coupled to the processor, the radio receiver, the radio transmitter, and the one or more sensors. The processor is coupled to the radio receiver, the radio transmitter, and the one or more sensors. The antenna is coupled to the radio transmitter and the radio receiver. The fastener collects environmental data corresponding to environmental variables in the environment detected by the one or more sensors. The fastener enhances the stability of a grain storage structure when used as a component of the grain storage structure.

In another embodiment, the fastener enhances the stability of a grain storage structure by receiving at least a shear force or a tension force from the grain storage structure when used as a component of the grain storage structure.

In another embodiment, the elongated body has a length of about 1 inch to about 18 inches and a width of about 0.25 inch to about 1 inch.

In another embodiment, the elongated body has a length of about 1 inch to about 12 inches and a width of about 0.25 inch to about 1 inch

In another embodiment, the elongated body has a length of about 1 inch to about 9 inches and a width of about 0.25 inch to about 1 inch

In another embodiment, the elongated body has a length of about 3 inches to about 9 inches and a width of about 0.25 inch to about 0.5 inch.

In another embodiment, at least one of the one or more sensors is located at or near the second end of the fastener.

In another embodiment, the one or more sensors comprises a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor.

In another embodiment, the one or more sensor comprises a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor.

In another embodiment, the one or more sensors further comprises at least one of the following: an oxygen sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, a phosphine sensor, an acoustic sensor, an ethylene sensor, a positioning sensor, an accelerometer, and a pressure sensor.

In another embodiment, the elongated body comprises a sintered metal.

In another embodiment, the elongated body comprises stainless steel.

In another embodiment, the external surface of the elongated body comprises a threaded surface.

In another embodiment, the sensor-enhanced fastener transmits and receives data through a wired connection.

In another embodiment, the sensor-enhanced fastener transmits and receives data through a wireless connection.

In another embodiment, the sensor-enhanced fastener transmits and receives data through a wireless mesh network.

In another embodiment, the sensor-enhanced fastener functions as a node in a wireless mesh network.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a system for monitoring stored grain comprising a sensor unit located in a grain storage environment, a gateway, a cloud computing system, a first network that communicates the environmental data from the sensor unit to the gateway, a second network that communicates the environmental data from the gateway to the cloud computing system, a user interface. The sensor unit detects an environmental variable from the grain storage environment, generates environmental data based on the environmental variable, and the transmits environmental data. The gateway receives the environmental data and transmits the environmental data to the cloud computing system. The user interface receives the output and provides a digital image comprising an image of the grain storage environment and the output. The system performs the following functions: the gateway transmits the environmental data generated by the sensor to the cloud computing system; the cloud computing system stores the environmental data over time, thereby generating a historical environmental data set; the cloud computing system applies an artificial-intelligence trained algorithm to the historical environmental data set, thereby generating an output; and the cloud computing system transmits the output to the user interface over the second network or a third network; and the user interface provides a digital image comprising an image of the grain storage environment and the output generated by the cloud computing system. The environmental data set comprises at least one of the following: temperature data, humidity data, oxygen data, carbon dioxide data, phosphine data, ethylene data, pressure data, and acoustic data. The output comprises a three-dimensional visualization of one or more environmental features of the grain storage environment.

In another embodiment, the user interface uses an augmented reality system to provide the digital image comprising an image of the grain storage environment and the output generated by the cloud computing system.

In another embodiment, the user interface is a mobile phone and the digital image comprises an image of the grain storage environment provided by an optical camera in the mobile phone.

In another embodiment, the user interface uses an augmented reality system to combine the image of the grain storage environment provided by the optical camera in the mobile phone and the output generated by the cloud computing system, thereby providing the digital image.

In another embodiment, the environmental data set comprises temperature data, and the output generated by the cloud computing system comprises a three-dimensional thermal profile of the grain storage environment.

In another embodiment, the environmental data set comprises humidity data, and the output generated by the cloud computing system comprises a three-dimensional humidity profile of the grain storage environment.

In another embodiment, the output generated by the cloud computing system comprises a three-dimensional visualization of an anomalous condition in the grain, and the digital image provides the location of the anomalous condition in the grain.

In another embodiment, the environmental data set comprises temperature data, and the anomalous condition in the grain is a hotspot or developing hotspot.

In another embodiment, the environmental data set comprises temperature data and humidity data, and the anomalous condition in the grain is localized spoilage or localized increased in probability of spoilage.

In another embodiment, the gateway comprises a second sensor unit that detects an environmental variable from the grain storage environment, generates a second environmental data set based on the environmental variable, and transmits the second environmental data set to the cloud computing system. The cloud computing system stores second environmental data set over time, thereby incorporating it into the historical environmental data set.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a system for monitoring stored grain comprising a sensor unit located in a grain storage environment, a cloud computing system, a first network that communicates the environmental data from the sensor unit to the cloud computing system, and a user interface. The sensor unit detects an environmental variable from the grain storage environment, generates environmental data based on the environmental variable, and the transmits environmental data. The cloud computing system that receives the environmental data, analyzes the environmental data, generates an output, and transmit the output to the user interface. The user interface receives the output and provides a digital image comprising an image of the grain storage environment and the output generated by the cloud computing system. The system performs the following functions: the sensor generates the environmental data and transmits the environmental data to the cloud computing system; the cloud computing system stores the environmental data over time, thereby generating a historical environmental data set; the cloud computing system applies an artificial-intelligence trained algorithm to the historical environmental data set, thereby generating an output, and the cloud computing system transmits the output to the user interface over the first network or a second network; and the user interface provides a digital image comprising an image of the grain storage environment and the output generated by the cloud computing system. The environmental data set comprises at least one of the following: temperature data, humidity data, oxygen data, carbon dioxide data, phosphine data, ethylene data, pressure data, and acoustic data. The output comprises a three-dimensional visualization of one or more environmental features of the grain storage environment.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for monitoring stored grain utilizing (a) a sensor located in the grain storage environment that detects an environmental variables from the grain storage environment and generates environmental data; (b) a cloud computing system that receives the environmental data from the sensor, applies a trained algorithm to the environmental data set, generates an output, and transmits the output to a user interface; and (c) a user interface that receives the output and provides the a user with a digital image comprising an image of the grain storage environment and the output. The method comprises generating environmental data corresponding to the environmental variable in the grain storage environment; transmitting the environmental data to the cloud computing system; applying an artificial-intelligence trained algorithm to the environmental data, thereby generating the output; transmitting the output to the user interface; and providing the digital image comprising an image of the grain storage environment and the output generated by the cloud computing system. The environmental data comprises at least one of the following: temperature data, humidity data, oxygen data, carbon dioxide data, phosphine data, ethylene data, pressure data, and acoustic data. The artificial-intelligence train algorithm is trained to identify and locate environmental an anomaly in the grain storage environment, and the output comprises information about the anomaly. The output comprises a three-dimensional visualization of one or more environmental features of the grain storage environment

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a sensor system 100, consisting of a gateway 102 which connects to the cloud computing system 101 as well as to a number of sensor units 105A through 105Z. Gateway 102 connects to cloud computing system 101 using second network 120. Second network can be, for example, a connection to the internet such as a wired local area network (“LAN”) or a wireless internet connection. The gateway 102 communicates digitally with sensor units 105A through 105Z e.g. through a wireless protocol or through a wired connection or through other means known to those in the art such as optical interconnection, magnetic resonance, etc. Cloud computing system 101 can analyze data and generate readouts, in addition to allowing remote access through one or more user interfaces, such as mobile phone 103 and/or computer 104.

FIG. 1B shows another embodiment of sensor system 100, in which a number of sensor units 105A through 105Z connect directly to cloud computing system 101 using second network 150 without the need for a gateway intermediary. Second network 150 can be any long range network used by gateway 102 to connect to cloud computing system 101. Each sensor unit 105 can communicate with each other sensor unit 105 in the system 100 over first network 140.

FIG. 2A shows the components of the gateway 102. A processor 203 executes instructions in memory 202 as well as reads and writes data to and from memory 202. Data is received from sensor units 105 using radio receiver 204 and transmitted using radio transmitter 205. Wired sensor units 105 are connected via 206 wired interface, using means such as Ethernet or RS-485. The gateway 102 communicates with cloud computing system 101 using, for example, a standard internet connection, such as a wired LAN or a Wi-Fi protocol. Power is provided by power supply 207, which may get its power from a battery, a DC power source such as the 12V power available in a motor vehicle, or an AC power source such as an electrical outlet.

FIG. 2B shows one embodiment of the gateway 102. The components are preferably built into a rugged case 213. A number of antennas 211A to 211Z are included for wireless communications. For clarity of drawing just two antennas are shown. In the embodiment shown, a tablet computer 212 is included, as a user interface and display device. This tablet communicates with the gateway 102 via standard wireless and/or wired protocols, such as Wi-Fi and/or wired LAN, and the gateway 102 uses, for example, the ZigBee protocol and similar protocols to communicate with all sensor nodes as a mesh network. Not shown in the diagram is a charge port for the tablet computer that is built into the gateway 102.

FIG. 3 shows the components and architecture of sensor unit 105 along with its associated external wired and wireless sensors. A processor 303 executes instructions in memory 302 as well as reads and writes data to and from memory 302. Data is collected from sensors connected in three different ways. Internal sensors 307A to 307Z are a number of sensors embedded within the sensor unit 105. External wired sensors 308A to 308Z are an arbitrary number of external sensors that use a physical connection to transfer data to sensor unit 105. This physical connection may be analog, digital, or other means of interconnect, such as optical. External wireless sensors 309A to 309Z are an arbitrary number of external sensors that use a wireless connection to transfer data to sensor unit 105. This may be through radio waves, for example using a wireless communication protocol, or may be optical, electromagnetic, sonic, or any other means that do not require a physical connection. Radio receivers 304A to 304Z and Radio transmitters 305A to 305Z communicate with external wireless sensors 309 and/or to one or more gateways 102. In some embodiments a first radio receiver and transmitter are included to communicate with wireless sensors and a second radio receiver and transmitter are included for communicating with the gateway 102. Power is provided by power supply 301, which may get its power from, e.g., a battery, a DC power source or an AC power source such as an electrical outlet.

FIG. 4 shows the components and architecture of wireless junction box (“WJB”) 400, which connects to a number of local sensors 407A to 407Z, thereby forming one embodiment of sensor unit 105. A processor 403 executes instructions in memory 402 as well as reads and writes data to and from memory 402. Data is collected from local sensors 407A to 407Z through a physical connection or a wireless network. This physical connection may be analog, digital, or other means of interconnect, such as optical. This may be through radio waves, for example using the protocol defined by ZigBee or other wireless protocols, or communication may be optical, electromagnetic, sonic, or any other means that do not require a physical connection. Radio receivers 404A to 404Z and Radio transmitters 405A to 405Z communicate with one or more gateways 102. In a preferred implementation a radio receiver and transmitter are included communicating with wireless sensors and a separate radio receiver and transmitter is included for communicating with the gateway 102. In another preferred implementation, the radio receiver and transmitter utilize a near field communication (“NFC” protocol to communicate with wireless sensors and/or gateway 102. Power is provided by power supply 401, which may get its power from, e.g., a battery, a DC power source or an AC power source such as an electrical outlet.

FIG. 5A shows the components and architecture of repeater unit 500, which can receive and transmit data over the local wireless network. In some embodiments, processor 503 executes instructions in memory 402 as well as reads and writes data to and from memory 502. Radio receivers 504A to 504Z and Radio transmitters 505A to 505Z communicate with one or more gateways 102. In some embodiments, a first radio receiver and transmitter are included to communicate with wireless sensors and a second radio receiver and transmitter are included for communicating with the gateway. Power is provided by power supply 501, which may get its power from a battery, a DC power source such as the 12V power available in a motor vehicle, or an AC power source such as an electrical outlet.

FIG. 5B depicts one embodiment of repeater unit 550, bi-directional repeater 550, which is mounted on the roof of grain storage structure 555. Bi-directional repeater comprises a solar panel power source 551, which delivers power to the electronics (described above with respect to FIG. 5A), located in electronics casing 552. First antenna 553, located on the external side of the grain storage structure 555 is used, for example, to communicate with a gateway 102 and/or cloud computing system 101. Second antenna 554, is located on the internal side of grain storage structure 555 and is used, for example, to communicate with sensor units 105 located within the grain storage structure 555.

FIG. 6 depicts, as a block diagram, one embodiment of a meshing local sensor system 600 comprising gateway 102, three standalone sensor units 605A to 605C, repeater 608, and local sensor 607, which has been enabled for wireless communication by WJB 606. Each of these system components functions as a sensor node with respect to local wireless meshing network 610, allowing wireless communication between the components whenever they are within range of one another. In some embodiments, the sensor nodes communicate using the ZigBee protocol. Gateway 602 utilizes long range network 620 to communicate with cloud computing system 601, which, in turn, may be accessed through a user interface, such as mobile phone 603 and computer 604. In some embodiments, long range network 620 utilizes, for example, standard wireless and/or wired protocols, such as Wi-Fi and/or wired LAN.

FIG. 7A shows an embodiment 700 of the sensor unit 105 in which a sensor pod 705 is enclosed in a ball-shaped three-dimensional round enclosure 701. In some embodiments this case includes openings for gasses to pass through 702. In some embodiments, openings 703 are carved within the ball to allow a person to hold the ball, e.g., arranged similarly to the openings found on a bowling ball. This arrangement of openings makes the ball easier to roll in tunnels and flat surfaces, making its design unique.

FIG. 7B shows an embodiment 750 of the sensor unit 105 in which a sensor pod 755 is enclosed in an elongated three-dimensional round enclosure 751. Like the enclosed sensor unit 700, elongated enclosed sensor unit 750 comprises an opening 752 so that the gasses from the storage environment can pass through and interact with the sensors in sensor pod 755.

FIG. 8A depicts the details of one embodiment 800 of the enclosed sensor unit 700, enclosed sensor unit 800, in exploded view. This embodiment comprises three sensors 807A-C connected to sensor board 804, power source 805, antenna 803, and on/off switch 806. All of these components are fully encapsulated in a three-dimensional round enclosure 801. The on/off switch 806 can be manipulated from outside of the enclosure using button 808.

FIG. 8B depicts the details of another embodiment 850 of the enclosed sensor unit 700, enclosed sensor unit 850, in exploded view. This embodiment comprises three sensors 857A-C connected to sensor board 854, power source 855, antenna 853, and on/off switch 856. All of these components are fully encapsulated in a three dimensional round enclosure 851. The button for manipulating the on/off switch 856 is not visible in the schematic depicted in FIG. 8B.

FIG. 8C depicts the details of another specific embodiment 880 of the enclosed sensor unit 700, enclosed sensor unit 880, in exploded view. In addition to the components found in other embodiments (e.g., FIGS. 8A and 8B), this embodiment 880 comprises additional features, such as modular sensor board 884 that is connected to power source 885. All of these components are fully encapsulated in a three dimensional round enclosure 881. Permeable area 882 comprises a screen that is permeable to gas.

FIG. 9A depicts another embodiment 900 of sensor unit 105 in which wireless spear sensor unit 900 comprises an upper sensor enclosure 910 housing a sensor pod 915 and a sensor shaft 920 comprising local shaft sensors 925 A-Z. In some embodiments, sensors within sensor pod 915 detect one or more environmental factor and each local shaft sensor 925 detects one or more variable. Each local shaft sensor 925 thereby communicates with sensor pod 915 either wirelessly or through a wired connection. In some embodiments, wireless spear sensor unit 900 communicates a cloud computing system, for example, over a wireless cellular network, without the need for a gateway.

FIG. 9B depicts another embodiment 950 of sensor unit 105, in which sensor-enhanced fastener unit 950 comprises a distal enclosure 960 housing electronics module 965 and an elongated body 970 comprising one or more sensors 975A-Z. Fastener unit 950 detects one or more environmental variables thereby generating environmental data. In various embodiments, fastener unit 950 transmits environmental data to other sensors, a gateway, or a cloud computing system via a wireless or wired network.

FIG. 9C depicts a system comprising a grain storage structure 990, plurality of sensor-enhanced fastener units 950A-Z and gateways 980A and 980 B, each comprising wired external sensors 981. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9C, a plurality of standard fasteners, such as grain bin bolts, have been replaced with a plurality of fastener units 950A-Z, which generate environmental data and transmit that environmental data across first network 985.

FIG. 10 depicts a flow chart for one embodiment of an algorithm for predictive detection, such as advanced spoilage detection. In the embodiment in FIG. 10, current environmental data corresponding to environmental variables inside a grain storage environment are received. An algorithm is applied to a prediction data set, which in some embodiments comprises historical environmental data from within the storage environment. In some embodiments, application of the algorithm to the prediction data set creates predicted environmental data. These predicted environmental data are compared to the detected environmental data, thereby generating a differential value set. This differential value set is analyzed using a set of conditions (e.g., comparison of each differential value to a threshold value) to determine whether the detected data are significantly different from the predicted data. In some embodiments, if the set of conditions is satisfied, a downstream process is initiated.

FIG. 11 depicts a flow chart of one embodiment of an algorithm for anomaly detection. In the embodiment in FIG. 11, a set of rules is applied to temperature data to determine whether a hot spot anomaly has developed. Each day, the temperature data for the day T is compared to a threshold value X, and if the temperature value T is greater than X each day for n continuous days, the system determines that a hotspot has developed. In some embodiments, the finding of an anomalous event automatically initiates a downstream process, such as production of an alarm, display of suggested responses, or automated physical processes.

FIG. 12A depicts an exemplary sensor system 1200 comprising a plurality of sensor units, including sensor unit 1205A and 1205 that each communicate with cloud computing system 1201. The sensor units 1205 are embedded in grain pile 1202 (cutaway view), which is housed in a grain storage environment comprising exhaust 1207 that directs air flow current 1203 throughout the grain storage environment. Sensor system 1200 compares the data received from sensor unit 1205A to that received by 1205B to detect and locate anomalous conditions in the grain and is capable of locating such anomalies when they are located between the two sensor units 1205.

FIG. 12B depicts exemplary data from two sensor units 1205A and 1205B on an annotated graph, depicting the time points at which grain management system 1200 first detected the anomaly and issued an alert to the user, confirmed the presence of a bona fide hotspot in the grain, and registered a declining temperature caused by the addition of extra aeration tubes to the location in the grain containing the hotspot.

FIG. 12C depicts the system another exemplary sensor system 1210, including sensor units 1215A-E, environmental data sets 1225A-E generated by said sensor units, and cloud computing system 1211. FIG. 12C also shows the presence of two anomalies 1230A and 1230B in the grain pile 1212, as well as the elevated temperature data 1225A and 1225E generated by sensor units 1225A and 1225E that allow system 1210 to determine the location of anomalies 1230A and 1230B.

FIG. 13 depicts an exemplary system 1300 comprising a plurality of sensor units 1305A-C and cloud computing system 1301. Sensor units 1305A-C are located in various portions of grain storage bin 1310, and are strategically placed to utilize the air flow current 1303 within grain storage bin 1310 to effectively monitor grain pile 1302.

FIG. 14 depicts an graph depicting an exemplary categorization system for using temperature and moisture content data to qualitatively estimate the likelihood of spoilage for grain stored in such conditions.

FIG. 15 depicts an exemplary visual output 1500 from sensor systems of the present disclosure, providing a visual representation of grain storage area 1502 comprising a visual representation of the spatial orientation of sensor units 1505 as well as visual representations of anomalies detected in the grain. Visual output 1500 thereby allows the user to pinpoint the location of anomalies in a grain pile detected by systems disclosed herein.

FIG. 16A depicts a block diagram for an exemplary system 1600 for detecting, locating and displaying anomalies in stored grain using augmented reality. Sensor units 1605 generate environmental data and transmit said data to cloud computing system 1601, which analyzes the data, thereby detecting the presence of and determining the location of an anomalous condition in the grain pile 1602. Cloud 1601 generates an output 1611 that is transmitted to a user interface. The output 1611 is a visual representation of the anomalous condition denoting the nature and locating of said anomaly. The display 1610 on the user interface 1604 provides an image comprising an image 1613 of the grain pile supplied by image source 1603 and output 1611. In this manner, sensor system 1600 allows the user to leverage augmented reality to identify the nature and location of the anomalous condition in grain pile 1602.

FIG. 16B depicts a flow chart of one embodiments of a method for detecting and locating an anomaly in a grain storage area utilizing augmented reality technology and a sensor system of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 depicts a graph that shows exemplary degradation of grain over time using an exemplary GSQI scale that spans from 100 to 1000. As time goes on the Grain Storage Quality Index (GSQI) goes from 1000 through a value of 850, which represents the frontier from Grade 1 to Grade 2 and then through a value of 650, which represents the frontier from Grade 2 to Grade 3. The higher the temperature in the silo, the faster the degradation of the grain and therefore, its GSQI score. A GSQI predictive model would put out a graph similar to the one shown in FIG. 17. Different grains, regions, producers, and/or buyers may utilize different grading systems. Therefore, the GSQI values associated with the threshold between quality grades may change between different grains, regions, producers, and/or buyers.

FIG. 18 shows a block diagram of an exemplary GSQI-enabled sensor system 1800. Enclosed sensor units 1805 communicate data pertaining to the environment within grain silo 1810 to gateway 1802 over a local wireless network. Gateway 1802 communicates that data to cloud computing system 1801, where the data is analyzed to generate a GSQI score profile for the grain stored in grain silo 1810. A user can access the cloud computing system 1801 via user interface 1804, where they are provided with display 1820. Display 1820 includes visual representations of the GSQI profile of the grain stored in grain silo 1810. Various downstream processes can be enabled using the GSQI data provided by GSQI-enabled sensor system 1801.

FIG. 19 depicts a flow chart for one method of determining a current GSQI value for a batch of grain in a storage condition. Environmental data detected from within the grain storage environment (i.e., the detected environmental data) is received. An algorithm is applied to a combined data set that comprises the detected environmental data as well as a historical grain quality data set. In some embodiments, the historical grain quality data set comprises one or more prior GSQI values corresponding to the quality of the grain in the grain storage environment at previous time points. Following application of the algorithm to the combined data set, a current GSQI value is generated.

FIG. 20 depicts a flow chart for one method of predicting GSQI values for a batch of grain in a grain storage environment. The method can utilize external predicted environmental data (e.g., data from a weather forecast) and/or internal predicted environmental data (e.g., generated by application of an algorithm to historical environmental data). This predicted data is incorporated into a combined data set. In some embodiments, the combined data set comprises historical GSQI values for the grain batch in storage. An algorithm is applied to the combined data set, thereby generating a predicted GSQI value.

FIG. 21 shows an artificial neural network 1602 that is used to calculate trip length 2103 based on various input data 2101, including route number, truck number, driver number, time of week, and day of the week.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to create and use a sensor system, including a sensor ball, to measure and analyze the quality of grain in storage comprising one or more sensor units and one or more gateways. Each of the features and teachings disclosed herein can be utilized separately or in conjunction with other features to implement the disclosed system and method. Representative examples utilizing many of these additional features and teachings, both separately and in combination, are described in further detail with reference to the attached drawings. This detailed description is merely intended to teach a person of skill in the art further details for practicing preferred aspects of the present teachings and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Therefore, combinations of features disclosed in the following detailed description may not be necessary to practice the teachings in the broadest sense and are instead taught merely to describe particularly representative examples of the present teachings.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation only, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present teachings. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required to practice the present teachings. Within this application, use of terms that describe particular measurable parameters such as temperature, pressure, local atmospheric composition (e.g., concentration of a particular gas and/or set of gasses), or other terms of the art, are intended as examples for clarity of explanation and are not intended to restrict the applications of the present disclosure in any way. The matter disclosed in this application may be applied to any measurable parameters.

Section headings are included for ease-of-reading only, and are not intended to limit, indicate combinations of technology, or in any other way affect the scope or nature of this disclosure and the claims.

The present patent document describes sensor systems, apparatuses, and methods for determining the quality of crops and crop products in storage. For ease of explanation, a majority of the description in the present disclosure is made with respect to grain in storage. However, the systems, apparatuses, and methods disclosed herein are of equally useful to the monitoring and management of other crops in storage. For example, the systems, apparatuses, and methods disclosed herein can be utilized for the monitoring and management of fruits and vegetables in storage. Where particular changes to the methodology are required for adequate monitoring and management of fruits and vegetables, these differences are explicitly discussed. Otherwise, teachings and discussions applied to grain in storage are also applicable to fruits and vegetables in storage.

The present patent document discloses sensor systems for monitoring and predicting the quality of grain in a storage environment. These sensor systems utilize at least one sensor unit that connects to a cloud computing system. In some embodiments, the sensor system utilizes at least one sensor unit and at least one gateway. The sensor unit is generally located in or near a grain storage environment, where it detects environmental variables, such as temperature and humidity that affect grain quality, and generates data corresponding to these detected environmental variables. The data from the sensors are transferred to the cloud computing system for analysis. In some embodiments, the data is first transferred from sensor units to a gateway using either a local wireless connection or a direct wired connection. In some cases, the sensor unit is self-contained (i.e. sensor and wireless transmitter/receiver are contained in one device). In other cases, a pre-existing sensor (lacking wireless communication capabilities) is utilized and equipped with a modular device (i.e., wireless junction box) that allows the pre-existing sensor to transmit data over a local network. In some systems, each sensor can communicate directly with the other sensors, thereby meshing to expand the scope of the local network. Once in the cloud, the data are stored and analyzed using one or more machine-learning trained algorithms. The algorithms thereby generate a variety of analytical data including a Grain Storage Quality Index (“GSQI”) (an objective measure of quality for the grain in storage) score, environmental trends (e.g., temperature trend line over time), environmental value predictions, and probabilities of an anomalous event (e.g., probability of developing a hotspot within the grain). In some cases, the analytical data also include suggestions for the user, such as suggested adjustments to the grain storage environment and suggestions about which batches of grain to sell in order to maximize return on grain sales over time. Users can access this analytical data using a computer or mobile phone that can connect to a native and/or web-based application that presents a variety of outputs, including data, quality scores, trend lines, and recommendations. In addition, some of the analytical data may be sent to the user's computer or mobile device. In some cases, the cloud computing system communicates information back to the sensor units and/or a gateway, and/or initiates other automated downstream processes.

The present patent document also discloses a sensor pod apparatus that is able to detect environmental variables and transmit that data to a gateway using a local network. The sensor pod apparatus comprises one or more sensors to detect environmental variables, as well as a radio transmitter and receiver to allow wireless communication. All of these components are contained within a three-dimensional round enclosure (e.g., three-dimensional ellipsoid or spherical enclosure). The three-dimensional round enclosure increases the durability of the sensor pod apparatus, making it more resistant to damage caused by physical force. The three-dimensional round enclosure also facilitates placement of the sensor pod, by making it easy to roll or throw, and facilitates retrieval of the sensor pod (e.g., allowing it to roll during vacuum cleaning of a grain storage bin). The sensor pod can transmit data to a gateway over a local network, where it can be forwarded to a cloud computing system and proxied through a gateway for analysis. In some cases, a plurality of sensor pods can directly communicate with each other, for example, over a meshing wireless network, thereby expanding the scope of the local wireless network. In some cases the sensor pods can process and store data locally prior to sending (i.e., transmitting) the data. Some sensor pods can be programmed to enter a sleep mode, thereby saving power and greatly extending the battery life of the system. In some cases, the sensor pods can be provided with provisioning data over the local network, thereby allowing the user to control various settings for each sensor pod.

The present patent document further discloses a method of predicting the quality of a grain in storage that utilizes one or more sensors, a gateway, and a cloud computing system. Data corresponding to environmental variables in the grain storage location are collected by the sensors and communicated to the gateway using a local wireless network or over wired connection. The data are then communicated from the gateway to a cloud computing system using a long-range network. In some embodiments, the gateway connects to the long-range network using a wired connection and/or a wireless connection. Data are received by the cloud computing system and stored. A machine-learning trained algorithm, utilizing an initial GSQI value for the grain in storage, is then applied to the environmental data to generate predicted GSQI value that estimates the quality of the grain in storage at the current moment and/or one or more time points in the future. The GSQI value is universal in that it allows an accurate direct comparison of the quality two batches of grain, even if the two batches were grown in different areas (e.g., farms located on the Kansas plains vs. farms in California's central valley). In some cases, the GSQI value will allow direct comparison of batches that are grown only a few miles from each other that nevertheless have different profiles based on differential environmental conditions (e.g., different microclimates) and/or soil characteristics of the two areas, as well as different storage and/or transport conditions. The universal GSQI method allows farmers and purchasers to make informed business decisions (e.g., which batches of grain to buy or sell, how to price the batches, and/or when to sell). In some cases, the method further comprises the algorithm generating suggested business decisions and, in some cases, automating those business decisions.

I. Sensor Systems and their Components

A schematic illustrating the basic components of a sensor system for monitoring the quality of grain in storage is depicted in FIG. 1A. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a sensor system comprising at least one gateway 102 and at least one sensor unit, depicted as a number of sensor units 105A-105Z. The number of sensor units can vary based on a number of factors, including the amount of grain being stored and the size of the storage facility. In some embodiments, the sensor units 105 are placed to proximal (and/or within) the grain in storage (e.g., within a grain storage environment). The sensor units 105 detect environmental conditions that are relevant to the quality of the grain in storage (e.g., temperature, humidity, oxygen concentration, carbon dioxide concentration, phosphine concentration, ethylene concentration, pressure, etc.). In some embodiments, each sensor unit 105A-105Z detects a single environmental condition. In other embodiments, each sensor unit 105A-105Z detects at least one environmental condition. In some embodiments, each sensor unit 105A-105Z detects more than one (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6) environmental condition. In some embodiments, the sensor units 105 quantify the environmental condition and convert it to electronically stored data. In some embodiments, the sensor system comprises a single gateway 102. In other embodiment, the sensor system comprises more than one gateway 102 (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.). For the purpose of simplifying the explanation, a system comprising one gateway will be repeatedly referenced throughout the specification. However, embodiments having more than one gateway are within the purview of the present disclosure.

Data corresponding to one or more environmental variables are captured from the one or more sensor units 105A-105Z. Data are then transmitted from the one or more sensor units 105 to the gateway 102. In some embodiments, the data captured by the sensor are transmitted to the gateway over a first (i.e., local) wireless network. In another embodiment not depicted, data captured by the one or more sensor units 105 are transferred to the gateway 102 using a wired connection between the one or more sensor units 105 and the gateway 102. The gateway 102 communicates data to a cloud computing system 101 over a second (i.e. long range) network 120. In preferred embodiments, the second network 120 is the Internet and the gateway 102 communicates to the cloud computing system 101 using standard Internet connectivity methods and protocols (including, for example, wired protocols such as wired LAN and/or wireless protocols such as Wi-Fi). The cloud computing system stores 101 and analyzes the data received from the gateway 102. In some embodiments, the cloud computing system 101 provides a user interface that can be accessed by a user via a device (e.g., personal computer 104 or mobile phone 103). In some embodiments, the cloud computing system 101 can send data back to the gateway 102 via the long range network 120. In some embodiments, the gateway 102 can send data to the one or more sensor units 105 using the local network 110 (wired or wireless connection). In other embodiments not depicted, the gateway 102 can send data to the sensor units 105 using a wired connection.

The data transferred from the sensor units 105 to the gateway 102 correspond to values of one or more environmental variables in a grain storage environment. Exemplary environmental values include the following: temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, oxygen concentration, phosphine concentration, ethylene concentration, pressure levels, and sound levels. Such environmental variables are relevant to the quality of the grain in the storage environment because they affect the rate of degradation and/or correlate to the rate of degradation of grain during storage. For example, an increase in temperature and/or humidity can cause an increased rate of spoilage. However, for example, an increase in carbon dioxide and concomitant decrease in oxygen can be caused by the growth of pest colonies, thereby correlating to an increased rate of spoilage. Similarly, certain sounds may be caused by the development of insect colonies, thereby correlating to an increased rate of degradation. Ethylene is given off by some ripening plant products and therefore will correlate to degradation rates for specific crops. The exemplary environmental variables listed above are not meant to provide an exhaustive list of all potential environmental variables that can be measured in connection with the present disclosure. Other variables relevant to grain quality (i.e., affecting or correlating to rate of grain degradation) may be used in connection with the apparatuses, systems, and methods disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the sensor units 105 detect one of the following environmental variables: temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, oxygen, phosphine, ethylene, pressure levels, movement, and sound levels. In other embodiments, the sensor units 105 detect at least one of the following environmental variables: temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, oxygen, phosphine, ethylene, pressure levels, movement, and sound levels. In yet other embodiments, the sensor units 105 detect two or more (e.g., 2, 3, or 4, etc.) of the following environmental variables: temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, oxygen, phosphine, ethylene, and sound levels. In some embodiments, the sensor units 105 detect at least one of temperature and humidity. In some embodiments, the sensor units 105 detect at least one of temperature and humidity, as well as at least one of the following environmental variables: carbon dioxide, oxygen, phosphine, ethylene, pressure levels, movement, and sound levels. In some embodiments, the sensor units 105 detect both temperature and humidity. In some embodiments, the sensor units 105 detect both temperature and humidity, as well as at least one of the following environmental variables: carbon dioxide, oxygen, phosphine, ethylene, and sound levels.

In some embodiments, each sensor unit 105 A-Z of a plurality of sensor units 105 detects the same environmental variable (e.g., temperature) or set of environmental variables (e.g., temperature and humidity) as all other sensor units 105 A-Z in the plurality of sensor units 105. In other embodiments, each sensor unit 105 A-Z of a plurality of sensor units 105 does not detect the same environmental variable (e.g., temperature) or set of environmental variables (e.g., temperature and humidity) as all other sensor units 105 A-Z in the plurality of sensor units 105. Each of the components illustrated in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B is discussed in greater detail below. To facilitate simplicity of description and ease of understanding, in many places the system components will be referred to in the singular tense. However, as described above, systems comprising a plurality of each element are within the scope of the present disclosure. Sensor networks of the present disclosure may comprise, for example, one or more of the following components: a gateway, a sensor unit (including standalone sensor units and wireless junction boxes), and repeaters. Each component of the sensor system disclosed herein will now be described in greater detail.

Although the discussion of each component of the sensor system is made with respect to its application for monitoring grain storage, these systems and components, as described herein, are also applicable to the monitoring and management of fruit and/or vegetables in storage.

A. Gateway

In some embodiments, gateway 102, depicted by the schematic in FIG. 2A, comprises a cloud interface 201, memory 202, processor 203, radio receiver 204, radio transmitter 205, wired interface 206, and power supply 207. In some embodiments, the cloud interface 201 permits communication between the gateway 102 and the cloud computing system 101, depicted in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. Memory 202 stores data locally on the gateway, including data collected by one or more sensor units 105. Processor 203 executes instructions in memory 202 and reads and writes data to and from memory 202. Data are received from sensor units 105 using radio receiver 204. Radio receiver 204 permits gateway 102 to receive data from, for example, the one or more sensor units 105 over, for example, local network 110. In some embodiments, radio receiver 204 also permits gateway 102 to receive data from, for example, the cloud computing system 101 over, for example, long range network 120, when long range network 120 comprises a cellular network. Data are transmitted to sensor units 105 using radio transmitter 205. In some embodiments, radio transmitter 205 permits gateway 102 to send data to, for example, the one or more sensor units 105 over, for example, local network 110. In some embodiments, radio transmitter 205 also permits gateway 102 to send data to, for example, the cloud computing system 101 over, for example, long range network 120, when long range network 120 comprises a cellular network. In some embodiments, data are also received from one or more additional gateways 102 using radio receiver 204 and transmitted using radio transmitter 205 via the local network 110. In some embodiments, wired interface 206 allows gateway 102 to be connected to one or more wired sensor units (not depicted in FIG. 1A or FIG. 1B) using a direct wired connection. In some embodiments wired sensor units are connected to gateway 102 using means such as Ethernet or RS-485. In some embodiments, wired sensors are provided power using a Power over Ethernet (“PoE”), such as for example a standards-based PoE. In some embodiments, long range network 120, includes, for example wifi, wireless broadband, cellular, LAN, and/or wired broadband. Power supply 207 delivers power to the gateway 102, thereby enabling its function. In some embodiments the gateway 102 may include an Internet access point in addition to its other functions described herein.

In some embodiments, the gateway 102 is powered by a portable power source such as, for example, a battery. In some embodiments, the gateway 102 is powered by a DC power source such as, for example, a car's 12V electrical system. In some embodiments, the power system is, for example, 5V or 3.3 V. In some embodiments, the gateway 102 is powered from an AC power source such as, for example, a home electrical outlet. In some embodiments, gateway 102 is powered by solar cells located on the gateway 102. In some embodiments, the power source may comprise an Ethernet cable, and the gateway 102 is powered by a PoE system. In some embodiments, the power source may be converted to a different voltage, conditioned, or processed in other ways through internal or external circuitry, such as, for example, a power brick.

In some embodiments, gateway 102 aggregates and/or buffers information from one or more sensor pods 105. The aggregated/buffered data may then be processed. The raw and/or processed data may be forwarded to another communications channel, such as long range network 120 (e.g. a Wi-Fi connection or wired Ethernet connection that leads to the Internet) so that the data can be transferred to cloud computing system 101. In some embodiments, the aggregated/buffered data is stored locally on the memory 202 of gateway 102 and the data is transferred to the cloud computing system 101 upon the occurrence of predetermined events. For example, in some embodiments, the gateway 102 will automatically send the locally stored data to the cloud computing system 101, when the gateway 102 is connected to the long range network 120. In some embodiments, the gateway 102 is programmed (either manually by the user or through a preset configuration) to send batches of aggregated/buffered data to the cloud computing system 101 at predetermined time periods. A person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many variations on this functionality are possible.

In some embodiments, a display may be included as part of gateway 102. The display may be, for example, a basic computer screen or a touch-screen interface. In some embodiments, user controls (e.g., a keyboard and/or touchscreen) may be included as part of the gateways 102. In some embodiments, such as that depicted in FIG. 2B, this display and/or user controls is implemented by providing, for example, a removable tablet computer 402. In other embodiments, a different a removable display and/or user interface is implemented by providing, for example, a removable mobile phone or laptop computer. In some embodiments, these display and/or user controls provide at least one or more of the following functions:

-   -   a. Access to the Internet by using the gateway 102 as an access         point;     -   b. Display the data for local use, such as for example, in a         preferred embodiment where the gateway 102 may create its own         local wireless network using Wi-Fi technology and communicate         with the Internet using one of many protocols;     -   c. Display of aggregated data from one or more sensor pods;     -   d. Set and/or display the configuration of one or more sensor         pods;     -   e. Display acknowledged and unacknowledged alerts and alarms;         and/or     -   f. Provide sensor unit name to hardware ID mapping allowing for         sensor unit assignment.

In some embodiments, gateway 102 provides a visual and/or audible alarm upon the occurrence of a predetermined event. In some embodiments, the predetermined events include, for example, data received from one or more sensor units 105 that indicate a value that is out of range. In some embodiments, the proper range may be determined by manual setting of minimum and/or maximum values for the normal range by the user. In some embodiments, the normal range is preconfigured based on application. For example, if the sensor units 105 are monitoring the temperature of a grain silo with relatively high temperatures (e.g., California's Central Valley), each sensor unit could be preconfigured for a normal range of, for example, 10° C. to 30° C. Similarly, if the sensor units 105 are monitoring the temperature of a refrigerated trailer that carries frozen food, each sensor unit 105A-Z could be preconfigured for a normal range of, for example, −25° C. to −15° C. In other embodiments, the normal range may be based on previous typical values. For example, if a sensor value goes more than 2-sigma outside of historical values (e.g., the average of the last 10 sensor values) the sensor value is deemed out of range, thereby triggering an alarm. In yet other embodiments, the normal range may be based on the values detected by other sensors. For example, if all of the sensors from a given sensor pod are monitoring different sections of a grain silo, a sensor that is, for example, more than 10% different than any of the other sensors within the grain silo might be deemed out of range. Each of the preceding methods of establishing a normal range can be used in isolation or in combination (e.g., an alarm to go off if either out of a predetermined range or greater than 10% deviation from historical data values).

In yet other embodiments, normal range is configured at the sensor, (e.g. through a switch 310 in FIG. 3 or other means) either instead of or in addition to configuration of the normal range at the gateway. For example, a temperature sensor may include a switch that indicates whether it is monitoring refrigerated grain or grain stored at ambient temperatures. In this example if the switch is set to the refrigerated grain setting, the sensor unit could set a range of 5° C. to 10° C. for this sensor. If the switch is set to the ambient temperature setting, the sensor unit could set a range of, for example, 10° C. to 27° C. for this sensor unit. The position of the switch may be communicated to the sensor pod through any one of a number of methods understood by those skilled in the art, such as, for example, utilizing the local wireless network or an extra wire (in cases where it is an analog sensor). The switch can be mechanical or software addressable from a user dashboard. In some embodiments, the user dashboard is located on, for example, a personal computer, tablet computer, or mobile phone.

While each of the above described examples for determining a normal range utilize temperature as the environmental variable, the facet of the present disclosure is in no way limited to sensor systems that utilize temperature sensors. Each of the examples described above (e.g. manual input, preprogrammed range, ranges based on historical data, and/or ranges that depend on other sensor in the system) can utilize one or more environmental variables including temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide levels, oxygen levels, ethylene levels, phosphine levels, pressure levels, movement, and/or sound levels. For example, a sensor system could have a normal range that covers 20% to 40% relative humidity, which was set by a user via a software interface to cloud computing system 101, such as, for example, mobile phone 103 or computer 104. An alarm in this case might prompt the user to increase aeration of the grain silo on a relatively dry day. In another example, a sensor system can be set to have a normal range of within 10% of historic values for carbon dioxide and within 5% of the oxygen values of other sensor units. In such cases, if a sensor pod registers a deviation from either one or both of these ranges (depending on the setting), then the user will receive an alarm that might indicate a localized formation of a pest colony. The user can then rely on this information to adjust fumigation practices so as to curtail the pest growth.

In some embodiments, the gateway 102 is configured to automatically engage one or more actions whenever the gateway 102 and/or one or more of the sensor pods 105 are turned on (e.g., they are provided power and/or a power switch or button is actuated). In some embodiments, one or more actuators are automatically provisioned. In some embodiments, the actuators engage processes that modulate the storage environment, such as turning on fans, stirring the grain, opening vents, and/or fumigating the grain. In some embodiments, these may include providing prompts and/or alarms for provisioning of each sensor. In this context, provisioning consists of an exchange of information from the sensor pod to the gateway 102 to signal the pod's presence and for the gateway 102 to respond with any relevant parameters. Parameters may include, but are not limited, to time intervals between measurements, normal ranges, etc. For example, upon powering up the gateway 102, a prompt may be generated indicating to the user that the parameters of the sensors (e.g., which environmental variables to detect, what to define as normal ranges, etc.) can be adjusted at this time. Such prompt and/or display might also include historical and/or current data delivered from the sensors. In other embodiments, the gateway 102 will automatically initiate provisioning of one or more sensors upon powering up.

In some embodiments, the gateway 102 automatically finds sensor units 105 that are within communications range (e.g. within the range of local wireless network 110). In such embodiments, each sensor unit 105A-Z announces its presence and the master coordinator acknowledges the sensor unit and makes it part of the mesh network. In such embodiments, the local wireless network is self-configuring and self-healing. Although some of the foregoing example describe the process in terms of a local wireless network that comprises a ZigBee network, those skilled in the art will recognize that similar techniques can be implemented using other network types and protocols (e.g., Z-Wave, Thread, Bluetooth mesh, or Wi-Fi mesh).

In some embodiments, the gateway 102 communicates with sensor units 105 using a first network (i.e., local network) 110. In some embodiments, local network 110 is a local wireless network that operates in a defined frequency range. In some embodiments, the frequency range is between 400 MHz and 2.5 GHz. In some embodiments, the frequency range is between 400 MHz and 2.0 GHz. In some embodiments, the frequency range is between 500 MHz and 1.0 GHz. In some embodiments, the frequency range is between 950 MHz and 850 MHz. In some embodiments, the sensor units 105 are on a local wireless network 110 that operates at one or more communication frequency. In some embodiments, the one or more communication frequency of local wireless network 110 includes, for example, at least one of the following: 2.4 GHz, 915 MHz, 900 MHz, 868 MHz, and/or 433 MHz. In some embodiments, the one or more communication frequency of local wireless network 110 is, for example, 2.4 GHz, 915 MHz, 900 MHz, 868 MHz, or 433 MHz. In some embodiments, the communication frequency of local wireless network 110 is 2.4 GHz. In some embodiments, the communication frequency of local wireless network 110 is 915 MHz. In some embodiments, the communication frequency of local wireless network 110 is 900 MHz. In some embodiments, the communication frequency of local wireless network 110 is 868 MHz. In some embodiments, the communication frequency of local wireless network 110 is 433 MHz. In some embodiments, the local network 110 utilizes a ZigBee protocol. In some embodiments, the local network 110 utilizes at least one of the following wireless protocols: Z-Wave, Thread, Bluetooth mesh, and/or Wi-Fi mesh.

In some embodiments, gateway 102 connects to the cloud using a second network 120 (i.e., long range network). In some embodiments, gateway 102 connects to second network 120 using a standard internet connection. In some embodiments, gateway 102 connects to second network 120 using a wired internet connection. In some embodiments, the gateway 102 connects to the second network 120 using a wired LAN. In some embodiments, the gateway 102 connects to the second network 120 using Ethernet. In some embodiments, the gateway 102 connects to the second network 120 using a wireless internet connection. In some embodiments, the gateway 102 connects to the second network 120 using Wi-Fi. In some embodiments, the gateway 102 connects to the second network 120 using a cellular connection. In some embodiments, the gateway 102 connects to the second network 120 using a satellite communication protocol. Many other methods for connecting the gateway to the cloud computing system 101 are known to a person of ordinary skill and may be used without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

As described above, in some embodiments, a gateway 102 can comprise, for example, a removable user interface, such as a tablet computer 212 (depicted in FIG. 2B). In some embodiments, the removable user interface can be reversibly attached (i.e. docked) into a larger gateway system 102 that is fully enclosed, for example, in rugged case 213, depicted in FIG. 4. Such gateway system can include one or more antennae 211A-Z, which facilitate long range wireless communication, for example, with cloud computing system 101 (see FIG. 1A). Such embodiments will offer several advantages, including improved wireless connectivity to, for example, long range network 120 and local network 110. The rugged case will facilitate transport of the gateway, and will increase the durability of gateway 120, particularly during use in the field. In some embodiments, the gateway 102 will be fully functional (e.g. able to collect, store, aggregate, process, and/or communicate data) in the absence of the removable user interface.

B. Sensor Units

In some embodiments, each sensor unit 105 is a single, standalone device. In other embodiments, each sensor unit comprises a local sensor device (e.g., a hanging thermocouple) and a modular communications unit (e.g., a wireless junction box or “WJB”) that connects to the local sensor device, thereby enabling wireless transfer of data collected by the local sensor device to a gateway 105. More detailed information on such modular communications units and the WJB are described below. Some sensor systems comprise one or more standalone sensor units (e.g., sensor pods), as well as one or more local sensor devices fitted with a modular communications unit (e.g., a WJB).

(1) Standalone Sensor Units

As described above, in some embodiments, the sensor unit 105, depicted by the block diagram in FIG. 3, is a separate, standalone device (e.g., a sensor pod). Sensor unit 105 comprises a power supply 301, memory 302, processor 303, radio receiver 304, radio transmitter 305, and internal sensors 307. In some embodiments, the sensor unit 105 further comprises one or more external wired sensors 308A-Z. In some embodiments, the sensor unit 105 further comprises one or more external wireless sensors 309A-Z. Power supply 301 delivers power to the sensor unit 105, thereby enabling its function. The power supply 301 can be, for example, at least those power sources described above with respect to power supply 207 (e.g., PoE system, battery, electrical outlet, etc.). In some embodiments, memory 302 stores data locally on the sensor unit 105, including data collected by one or more internal sensors 307, the one or more wired external sensors 308, and/or the one or more wireless external sensors 309. Processor 303 executes instructions stored in a non-transitory device such as memory 302, and reads and writes data to and from memory 302. Data is received from, for example, the gateway and/or other sensor units 105 using radio receiver 304. Radio receiver 204 permits sensor unit 105 to receive data from, for example, the gateway 102 and/or other sensor units 105 over, for example, local wireless network 110. In some embodiments, radio receiver 304 also permits sensor unit 105 to receive data from, for example, the cloud computing system 101 over, for example, long range network 120. Data are transmitted to, for example, the gateway 102 and/or other sensor units 105 using radio transmitter 305. In some embodiments, radio transmitter 205 permits sensor unit 105 to send data to, for example, the gateway and/or other sensor units 105 over, for example, local wireless network 110. In some embodiments, sensor unit 105 comprises switch 310 for configuring and/or manually provisioning sensor unit 105. In some embodiments, radio transmitter 205 also permits sensor unit 105 to send data to, for example, the cloud computing system 101 over, for example, long range network 120.

Sensor units 105 comprise internal sensors 307A-Z that detect an environmental variable and generate data corresponding to that environmental variable. As described above, exemplary environmental values include the following: temperature, humidity level, carbon dioxide concentration, oxygen concentration, phosphine concentration, ethylene concentration, sound levels, and movement. In some embodiments, each sensor unit 105 comprises a plurality (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.) of internal sensors 307A-Z. In some such embodiments, each of the plurality of internal sensors 307 is specific to a different environmental variable. For example, in one embodiment, a single sensor unit 105 comprises a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, an oxygen sensor, a phosphine sensor, an ethylene sensor, a sound/acoustic sensor, a pressure sensor, and an accelerometer. In another exemplary embodiment, a single sensor unit 105 comprises at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, an oxygen sensor, a phosphine sensor, an ethylene sensor, a sound/acoustic sensor, a pressure sensor, and an accelerometer. In another exemplary embodiment, a single sensor unit 105 comprises at least one of a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. In another embodiment, a single sensor unit 105 comprises at least one of a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, as well as at least one of the following: a carbon dioxide sensor, an oxygen sensor, a phosphine sensor, an ethylene sensor, a sound/acoustic sensor, a pressure sensor, and an accelerometer. In another embodiment, a single sensor unit 105 comprises both a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. In some embodiments, a single sensor unit 105 comprises a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a phosphine sensor. In another embodiment, a single sensor unit comprises both a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, as well as at least one of the following: a carbon dioxide sensor, an oxygen sensor, a phosphine sensor, an ethylene sensor, a sound/acoustic sensor, and an accelerometer. In some embodiments, single sensor unit 105 comprises a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a phosphine sensor. A person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various combinations of such sensors can be used without straying from the scope of the present patent document and claims.

The sensor unit 105 may comprise additional sensors as well, which are not necessarily used to detect environmental variables. For example, the sensor unit 105 further comprises a positioning sensor. The positioning sensor can determine the location of the sensor unit 105 and transmit to other sensor units, gateway 102, and/or cloud computing system 101. In some embodiments, the sensor unit 105 further comprises a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor can be used to detected changes in atmospheric pressure in the grain environment. However, pressure sensors can also detect pressure exerted on the sensor unit, such that the pressure sensor can, for example, detect the sensor unit's relative depth in a bulk grain pile. In some embodiments, the pressure sensors detect both the atmospheric pressure in the grain environment, as well as presser exerted on the sensor unit. In some embodiments, the sensor unit 105 also comprises an accelerometer. The accelerometer can be used to detect movement in the grain. This can be useful in determining the environmental conditions (for example, by detecting movement cause by pests). However, in some embodiments, the accelerometer can also be used, for example, to detect other movement in the grain and can be used to reestablish connectivity by shaking the ball as needed when deploying or redeploying the sensor unit.

For embodiments used in the monitoring of stored fruits and vegetables, it is particularly advantageous to have an ethylene sensor because ethylene is given off by ripening fruit and/or vegetables. In some embodiments, a single sensor unit comprises an ethylene sensor as well as at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, an oxygen sensor, a phosphine sensor, a sound/acoustic sensor, a pressure sensor, and an accelerometer. In some embodiments, a single sensor unit comprises an ethylene sensor as well as at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, an oxygen sensor, and a phosphine sensor. In some embodiments, a single sensor unit comprises an ethylene sensor as well as at least two of the following: a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, an oxygen sensor, a phosphine sensor, a sound/acoustic sensor, a pressure sensor, and an accelerometer. In some embodiments, a single sensor unit comprises an ethylene sensor and a temperature sensor, as well as at least one of the following: a humidity sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, an oxygen sensor, a phosphine sensor, a pressure sensor, a sound/acoustic sensor, and an accelerometer. In some embodiments, a single sensor unit comprises an ethylene sensor, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor.

In some embodiments, sensor unit 105 comprises a temperature sensor. In some embodiments, sensor unit 105 comprises a humidity sensor. In some embodiments, sensor unit 105 comprises an ethylene sensor. In some embodiments, sensor unit 105 comprises a phosphine sensor. In some embodiments, sensor unit 105 comprises an oxygen sensor. In some embodiments, sensor unit 105 comprises a carbon dioxide sensor. In some embodiments, sensor unit 105 comprises an acoustic/sound sensor. In some embodiments, sensor unit 105 comprises an accelerometer.

In some embodiments, sensor unit 105 comprises a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. In some embodiments, sensor unit 105 comprises a temperature sensor and a phosphine sensor. In some embodiments, sensor unit 105 comprises a temperature sensor and an ethylene sensor. In some embodiments, sensor unit 105 comprises a temperature sensor and a carbon dioxide sensor. In some embodiments, sensor unit 105 comprises a temperature sensor and an oxygen sensor. In some embodiments, sensor unit 105 comprises a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor. In some embodiments, sensor unit 105 comprises a temperature sensor and an accelerometer. In some embodiments, sensor unit 105 comprises a temperature sensor and an acoustic/sound sensor.

In some embodiments, sensor unit 105 comprises a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a phosphine sensor. In some embodiments, sensor unit 105 comprises a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and an ethylene sensor. In some embodiments, sensor unit 105 comprises a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a carbon dioxide sensor. In some embodiments, sensor unit 105 comprises a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and an oxygen sensor.

In some embodiments, sensor unit 105 further comprises one or more external sensors. In some embodiments, sensor unit 105 further comprises interface 306 and is connected to external wired sensors 308A-Z. Such external wired sensors 308 also detect an environmental variable and generate data corresponding to that environmental variable. In some embodiments, interface 306 allows the sensor unit 105 to be connected to one or more external wired sensors (as depicted in FIG. 3) using a direct wired connection. In some embodiments, the sensor unit 105 communicates wirelessly with one or more external wireless sensors 309A-Z. In some embodiments, sensor unit 105 communicates with the external wireless sensors 309 using the radio receiver 304 and radio transmitter 305 that sensor unit uses to communicate with the gateway 102 (e.g., over the local wireless network). In other embodiments, the sensor unit 105 utilizes different sets of radio receiver and radio transmitters to communicate with the gateway an the external wireless sensors.

Each of the external sensors, including external wired sensors 308 and external wireless sensors 309, detects an environmental variable that is relevant to the quality of grain in a grain storage environment. As described above, exemplary environmental values include the following: temperature, humidity level, carbon dioxide concentration, oxygen concentration, phosphine concentration, ethylene concentration, sound levels, and movement. In some embodiments, each sensor unit 105 is connected to a plurality (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, etc.) of external wired sensors 308A-Z and/or a plurality (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, etc.) of external wireless sensors 309A-Z.

In some such embodiments, each of the plurality of external sensors is specific to a different environmental variable. For example, in one embodiment, a single sensor unit 105 comprises an external temperature sensor, an external humidity sensor, an external carbon dioxide sensor, an external oxygen sensor, an external phosphine sensor, an external ethylene sensor, an external sound/acoustic sensor, an external pressure sensor, and an external accelerometer. In another exemplary embodiment, a single sensor unit 105 comprises at least one of the following: an external temperature sensor, an external humidity sensor, an external carbon dioxide sensor, an external oxygen sensor, an external phosphine sensor, an external ethylene sensor, an external sound/acoustic sensor, an external pressure sensor, and an external accelerometer. In another exemplary, a single sensor unit 105 comprises at least one of an external temperature sensor and an external humidity sensor. In another embodiment, a single sensor unit 105 comprises at least one of an external temperature sensor and an external humidity sensor, as well as at least one of the following: an external carbon dioxide sensor, an external oxygen sensor, an external phosphine sensor, an external ethylene sensor, an external sound/acoustic sensor, an external pressure sensor, and an external accelerometer. In another embodiment, a single sensor unit 105 comprises both an external temperature sensor and an external humidity sensor. In another embodiment, a single sensor unit 105 comprises both an external temperature sensor and an external humidity sensor, as well as at least one of the following: an external carbon dioxide sensor, an external oxygen sensor, an external phosphine sensor, an external ethylene sensor, an external sound/acoustic sensor, and external pressure sensor, and an external accelerometer. In some embodiments, the external sensors communicate data to and from the sensor unit via a wireless network and/or through a direct wired connection to the sensor unit 105. In some embodiments, the external sensors communicate data to the sensor unit 105 through a wireless network. In other embodiments, the external sensors communicate data to the sensor unit 105 through a wired connection.

In some embodiments, the memory 302 of sensor unit 105 stores data collected by internal sensors 307, external wired sensors 308, and/or external wireless sensors 309. In some embodiments, the memory 302 stores this data until it is communicated to cloud computing system 101 (e.g., directly from the sensor unit 105 or via gateway 102). In some embodiments, the sensor unit 105 will locally store environmental data on memory 202 for later transmission if the communication link between sensor unit 105 and the local wireless network 110 is lost (e.g., if solar powered and due to snow or rain it shut down the radio for a few days) or the sensor unit 105 is in transport mode In some embodiments, data from the sensors and/or sensor units 105 may be buffered within the memory of the sensor unit 105 when a data connection is not available and the buffered data may be transmitted when the data connection becomes available to the gateway 102 or the cloud computing system 101. In some embodiments, the sensor unit 105 will automatically transfer to the gateway 102 and/or cloud computing system 101 to data locally stored on memory 302 once sensor 105 connects with local wireless network 110.

In some embodiments, such as those described with respect to FIG. 1B, the sensor units 105 connect directly to cloud computing system 101. In some embodiments, sensor units 105 connect directly to cloud computing system 101 over second network 150. Second network can utilize, for example, any network described with respect to the long-range network 120 used by gateway 102 (e.g., wired LAN, Wi-Fi, cellular, satellite, etc.). In some embodiments, sensor units 105 connect directly to other sensor units using first network 140. In some embodiments, sensor systems with direct communication between sensor units 105 and cloud computing system 101 do not utilize a gateway 102. In such embodiments, these sensor systems can utilize all of the methods and features described herein with respect to sensor systems that utilize a gateway 102.

In some embodiments of the sensor system described in FIG. 1B, one sensor unit or more sensor units 105 can be designated the “master” sensor unit, which performs the functions described above with respect to gateway 102. In some embodiments, those sensor units 105 not designated as a master sensor unit, either cannot perform the functions described above with respect to gateway 102 or such functions are temporarily disabled. Such sensor units are designated “minion” sensor units and are subordinate to the master sensor units in the system. For example, the master unit can collect data from and send data to other sensor units 105 (for example over a local wireless network 140), locally store that data, and/or communicate that data to cloud computing system 101 (for example, a long-range wireless network 150). In some embodiments, the master sensor unit can analyze data received from other sensor units 105 and/or can analyze data received from cloud computing system 101. In some embodiments, there is one master sensor unit in sensor system 100. In some embodiments, there is at least one master sensor unit in sensor system 100. In some embodiments, there are two or more (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.) master sensor units in a sensor system 100. In some of such embodiments, all master sensor units communicate to the cloud computing system 101 over, for example, long-range wireless network 150. In some embodiments, a sensor unit 105 can be designated by the user as either a master sensor unit or minion sensor unit for sensor system 100. In some embodiments, the sensor system 100 will automatically determine which sensor unit(s) should be designated as the master or minion sensor units for sensor system 100. In some embodiments, such automatic designation may occur in response to an event. For example, upon extended loss of connectivity between the cloud computing system 101 one or more master sensor unit, the sensor system 100 might automatically designate a different sensor unit as a master sensor unit for the system. In some cases all locally stored data will also be transmitted to the new master sensor unit for relay to cloud computing system 101.

(2) Wireless Junction Box

As described above, some sensor units incorporate local sensors by connecting the local sensor to a modular communication device, such as a wireless junction box (“WJB”). Such modular systems have the advantage of being able to utilize existing farm infrastructure, such as a local sensor (e.g., hanging thermocouple) that does not have the ability to wirelessly transmit data. Thus, the WJB provides a cost-effective way to incorporate existing sensors into a sensor system, such as the sensor system depicted in FIG. 1A.

A schematic for an exemplary sensor unit comprising a WJB 400 and one or more local sensors 407A-Z is depicted in FIG. 4. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, the WJB comprises power supply 401, memory 402, processor 403, radio receiver 404, radio transmitter 405, and interface 407. Power supply 401 delivers power to the sensor unit WJB 400, thereby enabling its function. The power supply 401 can be, for example, at least those power sources described above with respect to power supply 207. In some embodiments, memory 402 stores data locally on the WJB 400, including data collected by one or more local sensors 407. Processor 403 executes instructions in memory 402 and reads and writes data to and from memory 402. Data is received from, for example, the gateway 102 using radio receiver 404. Radio receiver 404 permits WJB 400 to receive data from, for example, the gateway 102 over, for example, local network 110 (as shown in FIG. 1A). Data are transmitted to, for example, gateway 102 using radio transmitter 405. In some embodiments, radio transmitter 405 permits WJB 400 to send data to, for example, the gateway using, for example, local network 110. In some embodiments, radio receiver 404 and radio transmitter 405 also permit the WJB 400 to send data to and receive data from, for example, the cloud computing system 101 over, for example, long range network 120, when long range network 120 comprises a cellular network. In some embodiments, radio receiver 404 and radio transmitter 405 also permit the WJB 400 to send data to and receive data from, for example, the cloud computing system 101 through gateway 102.

The WJB 400 is connected to a local sensor 407 (e.g., a thermocouple sensor), via the interface 407 such that the WJB 400 can collect data from the local sensor. In some embodiments, the WJB 400 is connected to one local sensor 407. In other embodiments, the WJB 400 is connected to more than one (e.g., 2, 3, 4, etc.) local sensors 407A-Z. The data collected by the WJB 400 from the local sensor 407 can then be sent to the gateway 102, for example, using the methods and systems described above. Thus, installation of a WJB 400 to a local sensor 407 effectively converts the local sensor 407 to a fully functioning sensor unit 105, represented in FIG. 4. by the dashed line around both the WJB 400 and the local sensor 407. As described above with respect to FIG. 1A, the gateway 102 can then communicate the data retrieved from the local sensor and sent by the WJB to the cloud computing system 101 using the long range network 120. Data received by the cloud computing system 101 are then processed as discussed throughout the present disclosure.

In one exemplary embodiment, local sensors 407 comprise existing temperature reader cards that connect to existing thermocouple cables using a wired connection. Several types of such thermocouples are known in the art and can be adapted to sensor systems such as sensor system 100 using, for example, WJB 400.

As described above, local sensors 407 can be any number of sensors that, unlike the sensor units 105 discussed in the present disclosure, cannot mesh into a wireless network. However, like the standalone sensor units 105, local sensors 407 detect an environmental variable and generate data corresponding to that environmental variable. As described above, exemplary environmental values include the following: temperature, humidity level, carbon dioxide concentration, oxygen concentration, phosphine concentration, ethylene concentration, and sound levels. In some such embodiments, a local sensor can detect a plurality of different environmental variables. For example, in one embodiment, a single sensor unit comprises a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, an oxygen sensor, a phosphine sensor, an ethylene sensor, a sound/acoustic sensor, a pressure sensor, and an accelerometer. In another exemplary embodiment, a single sensor unit comprises at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, an oxygen sensor, a phosphine sensor, an ethylene sensor, a sound/acoustic sensor, a pressure sensor, and an accelerometer. In another exemplary, a single sensor unit comprises at least one of a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. In another embodiment, a single sensor unit comprises at least one of a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, as well as at least one of the following: a carbon dioxide sensor, an oxygen sensor, a phosphine sensor, an ethylene sensor, a sound/acoustic sensor, a pressure sensor, and an accelerometer. In another embodiment, a single sensor unit comprises both a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. In another embodiment, a single sensor unit comprises both a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, as well as at least one of the following: a carbon dioxide sensor, an oxygen sensor, a phosphine sensor, an ethylene sensor, a sound/acoustic sensor, a pressure sensor, and an accelerometer. A person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various combinations of different sensor types can be used and be within the scope of this patent document and the claims.

C. Repeaters

In some instances, the sensor system needs to cover a vast area of land (e.g., farms with different grain silos that are thousands of feet, if not miles, apart). A sensor unit 105 may be located too far from the gateway 102 for the sensor unit 105 to connect to the gateway 102 over the local wireless network 110. In such situations, it may be possible for a portable gateway 102 to be used, which, as described elsewhere in the present disclosure, can automatically connect to the sensor unit 105 and retrieve data when both the gateway 102 and the sensor unit 105 are within range of the local wireless network 110. However, it may also be advantageous for the sensor system to utilize repeaters, which effectively bridge the gap between sensor unit 105 and gateway 102, thereby allowing the two system components to communicate over the local wireless network 110 without the need to bring the gateway 102 within proximity to the sensor unit 102. Moreover, it is also advantageous to have additional network nodes within a mesh network to add resiliency and/or redundancy to the network, in the event that one or more network nodes fails. Repeater units can provide such functionality.

In some embodiments, the repeater 500, shown schematically in FIG. 5A, comprises power supply 501, radio receivers 504, and radio transmitter 505. Power supply 501 delivers power to the repeater 500, thereby enabling its function. The power supply 501 can be, for example, at least those power sources described above with respect to power supply 207. Data are received from, for example, the sensor unit 105 using radio receiver 504. Radio receiver 504 permits repeater 500 to receive data from, for example, sensor unit 105 over, for example, local wireless network 110 (as shown in FIG. 1A). Data are transmitted to, for example, gateway 102 using radio transmitter 505. In some embodiments, radio transmitter 505 permits repeater 500 to send data to, for example, the gateway using, for example, local wireless network 110. In some embodiments, radio receiver 504 and radio transmitter 505 also permit the repeater 500 to send data to and receive data from, for example, the cloud computing system 101 over, for example, long range network 120.

In some embodiments, the repeater 500 further comprises local memory 502 and processor 503. In some embodiments, memory 402 stores data locally on the WJB 400, including data collected by one or more local sensors 407. Processor 403 executes instructions in memory 402 and reads and writes data to and from memory 402. In some of such embodiments, the repeater 500 receives data from one or more sensor units 105 and stores the data on the local memory 502. In some embodiments, the repeater 500 will store data from one or more sensor units 105 if the gateway 102 is not in range of local wireless network of the repeater 500. In some embodiments, the repeater 500 will automatically send data saved to the local memory 502 to the gateway 102 when the gateway 102 is within range of the local wireless network of repeater 500.

FIG. 5B depicts one embodiment of repeater unit 550. Bi-directional repeater 550 is depicted in FIG. 5B mounted on the roof of grain storage structure 555. Bi-directional repeater 550 comprises to external antennas: first antenna 553 and second antenna 554. First antenna 553, located on the external side of the grain storage structure 555 is used, for example, to communicate with a gateway 102 and/or cloud computing system 101. Second antenna 554, is located on the internal side of grain storage structure 555 and is used, for example, to communicate with sensor units 105 located within the grain storage structure 555. The power source for the unit (depicted as power source 501 in FIG. 5A) comprises solar panel power source 551, which delivers power to the electronics located within electronics casing 552. In some embodiments, these electronics comprise processor 502, processor 503, radio receivers 504, and radio transmitter 505. In addition, in some embodiments, the bi-directional repeater 550 comprises a battery to store power generated by solar panel power source 551.

Sensor systems of the present disclosure, such as sensor system 100 can also include additional components that are not directly involved in collecting, transmitting, and processing environmental data. For example, in some embodiments, sensor system 100 can integrate one or more LiDAR sensors that are used to quantify grain stores. LiDAR sensors mounted in the interior of a grain storage environment (e.g., on the top of a grain silo) can measure the distance between the LiDAR sensor and the top of the bulk grain pile. In this way, the LiDAR sensor can collect data used to calculate the amount of grain remaining in storage containers. This data can be transmitted, for example, over local network 110 to gateway 102. Gateway 102 can transmit this data to cloud computing system 101 over, for example, second network 120. Transmission of this data can be accomplished using any of the methods discussed herein with respect to the transmission of environmental data. For example, in some embodiments, a WJB can be connected to a LiDAR detector thereby enabling wireless communication of the data over the local network 101. Thus, data relating amount of grain in each of a plurality of storage containers can be transmitted throughout the system and processed by cloud computing system 101. This information can be accessed via a user interface and/or transmitted to a user. In some embodiments, this output relating to the amount of grain in storage containers is displayed in conjunction with the display of environmental data, trends, and analysis discussed throughout the present disclosure.

D. Local Wireless Meshing Network

In some embodiments, local network 110 is a wireless network and each component of the sensor system functions as a network node for a local meshing wireless network (with the exception of the cloud computing system). An exemplary embodiment of such a sensor system is depicted in FIG. 6. Sensor system 600 comprises three standalone sensor units 605A-C, gateway 602, repeater 608, and local sensor 607, which has been modified with WJB 606. Each of these components can communicate data to other components in the system via the local wireless meshing network 610 (depicted by dashed lines). For example, sensor unit 605A can communicate data directly with both the repeater 608 and sensor unit 605B. Although the gateway 602 is out of range for sensor unit 605A to communicate with directly, data can be sent from sensor unit 605A to repeater 608 and from repeater 608 to gateway 602. In contrast, WJB 606 can communicate directly with gateway 602 because the two components are within the range of the local wireless meshing network 610. Thus, either directly or indirectly, gateway 602 can communicate with all three standalone sensor units 505A-C as well as the modified local sensor 607/WJB 606 unit. As discussed above, gateway 602 can communicate with cloud computing system 601 over long range network 620. Cloud computing system 601 can, in turn, be accessed through user interfaces, such as, for example, mobile phone 603 and/or computer 604. In some embodiments, the user interface, such as the mobile phone, also serves as the gateway 602.

In some embodiments, the local wireless meshing network 610 can still function to deliver information to the gateway 602 even when one of the network nodes is not operational. For example, if repeater 608 from FIG. 6 became temporarily inoperable, each component of sensor system 600 would still be able to communicate with gateway 602. In such embodiments, sensor unit 605A could communicate data to sensor unit 605B, which could then, in turn, send that data to sensor unit 605C. Sensor unit 605C can send the data to WJB 606, which is in range to forward the data to gateway 602. Data flow is similarly enabled in the opposite direction (e.g., from gateway 602, through WJB 606, sensor units 605C and 605B, to sensor unit 605A. Many variations on this feature are envisioned.

In some embodiments, the gateway 602 is a mobile device (e.g., a tablet computer or a mobile phone). Thus, in such embodiments, there may be time periods where the gateway 602 is outside of the range of the local wireless meshing network 610. In some embodiments, the network nodes (e.g., sensor units, repeaters, etc.) exchange data with each other and one or more of said network nodes stores that data to local memory. When the gateway 602 is within range of the local wireless meshing network 610, that locally stored data is communicated through the local wireless meshing network 610 to the gateway 602. At this stage, it is important to note that the gateway 602 might reenter the range of the local wireless meshing network 610 at any point. For example, with reference to FIG. 6, the gateway 602 might come within range of sensor unit 605A, but be out of range of all other components of the sensor system 600. In that case, data from one or all sensors will be communicated through the local wireless meshing network 610 to sensor unit 605A, which can then communicate the data to gateway 602. Data can, of course, be sent in the other direction as well (e.g., from gateway 602 to sensor unit 605A, and then from sensor unit 605A to any or all of the sensor system components via local wireless meshing network 610). Additional features of these meshing sensor systems are discussed elsewhere in the present disclosure (above and below).

In some embodiments, the sensor units 605 communicate with each other using local wireless meshing first network 610. In some embodiments, local wireless meshing network 610 is a local meshing wireless network 610 that operates in a defined frequency range. In some embodiments, the frequency range is between 400 MHz and 2.5 GHz. In some embodiments, the frequency range is between 400 MHz and 2.0 GHz. In some embodiments, the frequency range is between 500 MHz and 1.0 GHz. In some embodiments, the frequency range is between 950 MHz and 850 MHz. In some embodiments, the sensor units 105 communicate over a local meshing wireless network 610 that operates at one or more communication frequency. In some embodiments, the one or more communication frequency of local meshing wireless network 610 includes, for example, at least one of the following: 2.4 GHz, 915 MHz, 900 MHz, 868 MHz, and/or 433 MHz. In some embodiments, the one or more communication frequency of local meshing wireless network 610 is, for example, 2.4 GHz, 915 MHz, 900 MHz, 868 MHz, or 433 MHz. In some embodiments, the communication frequency of local meshing wireless network 610 is 2.4 GHz. In some embodiments, the communication frequency of local meshing wireless network 610 is 915 MHz. In some embodiments, the communication frequency of local meshing wireless network 610 is 900 MHz. In some embodiments, the communication frequency of local meshing wireless network 610 is 868 MHz. In some embodiments, the communication frequency of local meshing wireless network 610 is 433 MHz. In some embodiments, the local meshing wireless network 610 utilizes a ZigBee protocol. In some embodiments, the local meshing wireless network 610 utilizes at least one of the following wireless protocols: Z-Wave, Thread, Bluetooth mesh, and/or Wi-Fi mesh.

E. Wide-Area Wireless Networks

In some embodiments, the sensor units 105 communicate with each other and/or the using a wide-area first network 110. In some embodiments, wide-area first network is a wide-area star network. In some embodiments, wide-area first network operates on a low-power wide-area network, such as, for example, a LoRa network. In some embodiments, sensor units 105 communicate over a wide-area wireless star network and utilize the “master” and “minion” functionality. In some such embodiments, one of the sensor units 105 performs the functionality of the gateway 102, and communicates with the other sensor units 105 over the wide-area first network 110 and communicates with cloud computing system 101 over second network 120.

In some embodiments, the wide-area wireless network communicates between sensor units 105 over long distances. In some embodiments, the wide-area wireless network communicates between sensor units over a distance of 2 to 10 km. In some embodiments, the wide-area wireless network communicates between sensor units over a distance of 2 to 5 km. In some embodiments, the wide-area wireless network communicates between sensor units over a distance of 2 to 3 km. In some embodiments, the wide-area wireless network communicates between sensor units over a distance of 4 to 7 km. In some embodiments, the wide-area wireless network communicates between sensor units over a distance of 6 to 7 km. In some embodiments, the wide-area wireless network communicates between sensor units over a distance of up to 10 km.

In some embodiments, the sensor units 105 communicate with each other using wide-area first network 110. In some embodiments, 1 wide-area first network 110 is a wide-area first network 110 that operates in a defined frequency range. In some embodiments, the frequency range is between 100 MHz and 2.5 GHz. In some embodiments, the frequency range is between 100 MHz and 1.0 GHz. In some embodiments, the frequency range is between 900 MHz and 930 MHz. In some embodiments, the frequency range is between 865 MHz and 870 MHz. In some embodiments, the frequency is less than 10 MHz. In some embodiment, the frequency is one of the following: 125 kHz, 250 kHz, 250 kHz, or 500 kHz.

II. Fully Encapsulated Sensor Pods

In some embodiments, the standalone sensor unit 105 is constructed as a sensor pod 705, which is entirely contained in a three-dimensional round enclosure 701. In some embodiments, three-dimensional round enclosure 701 has at least one cross section that is circular or semi-circular (e.g., a three-dimensional ellipsoid or spherical shape). Sensor pod 705, which represents one set of embodiments of sensor unit 105, can comprise all of the components of sensor unit 105 and possess all the functionality previously described with respect to sensor unit 105. FIG. 7A depicts an exemplary embodiments of a sensor pod 705 enclosed in three-dimensional round enclosure 701. Two views of the sensor pod apparatus are shown in FIG. 7A. The right side of FIG. 7A depicts the sensor apparatus with the three-dimensional round enclosure 701 open to show that sensor pod 705 is located within three-dimensional round enclosure 701. As discussed, sensor pod 705 can be, for example, any of the sensor units described above, including those described in general terms with respect to FIG. 3. The left side of FIG. 7A depicts the sensor apparatus with the three-dimensional round enclosure 701 such that the each portion of three-dimensional round enclosure 701 are joined together such that it is shaped as a ball. In this embodiment, the two portions of round enclosure 701 are joined together by a hinge, but many other embodiments (e.g., those joined by fasteners, screws, bolts, integral molding, etc.) are within the scope of the present enclosure and would be apparent to one skilled in the art. In some embodiments not depicted, the three-dimensional round enclosure 701 comprises only a single piece into which sensor pod 705 can be inserted. In such embodiments, the three-dimensional round enclosure can be, for example, plastically deformable to allow insertion of the sensor pod 705. As shown in FIG. 7A (right) the sensor pod 105 is entirely contained within the three-dimensional round enclosure 701. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7A, the three-dimensional round enclosure 701 is spherical or nearly spherical in shape. In other embodiments, such as that described below, with respect to FIG. 7B, the three-dimensional round enclosure is elongated.

In some embodiments, the sensor unit 105 is enclosed in a three-dimensional round enclosure that is elongated and/or oblong. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7B, enclosed sensor unit 750 comprises three-dimensional round enclosure 751. Three-dimensional round enclosure 751 comprises at least one ellipsoid cross section. Three-dimensional round enclosure 751 also comprises at least one circular cross section. Sensor pod 755, like sensor pod 705, represents one set of embodiments of sensor unit 105, and can comprise all of the components of sensor unit 105 and possess all the functionality previously described with respect to sensor unit 105. FIG. 7B depicts an exemplary embodiment of a sensor pod 755 enclosed in elongated three-dimensional round enclosure 751. Two views of the sensor pod apparatus are shown in FIG. 7B. The right side of FIG. 7B depicts the sensor apparatus with the three-dimensional round enclosure 751 open to show that sensor pod 755 is located within three-dimensional round enclosure 751. As discussed, sensor pod 755 can be, for example, any of the sensor units described above, including those described in general terms with respect to FIG. 3. The left side of FIG. 7B depicts the sensor apparatus with the three-dimensional round enclosure 751 such that the each portion of three-dimensional round enclosure 751 are joined together. In this embodiment, the two portions of three-dimensional round enclosure 751 are joined together by a hinge, but many other embodiments (e.g., those joined by fasteners, screws, bolts, integral molding, etc.) are within the scope of the present enclosure and would be apparent to one skilled in the art. In some embodiments not depicted, the three-dimensional round enclosure 751 comprises only a single piece into which sensor pod 755 can be inserted. In such embodiments, the three-dimensional round enclosure can be, for example, plastically deformable to allow insertion of the sensor pod 755. As shown in FIG. 7B (right) the sensor pod 105 is entirely contained within the three-dimensional round enclosure 751.

Embodiments having an elongated enclosure, such as enclosed sensor unit 750, can have all the features and components discussed in the present disclosure, including those described with respect to, for example, sensor unit 105, sensor unit 605, and enclosed sensor unit 700, as well as enclosed sensor units 800, 850, and 880. Each of the various embodiments of the enclosed sensor unit 700 and 750 described below can be used in connection with any of the various sensor systems described throughout the present disclosure. For ease of explanation, many of the following features are described with reference to enclosed sensor unit 700, but such features are equally applicable to sensor units in elongated three-dimensional round enclosures, such as enclosed sensor unit 750.

In some embodiments, three-dimensional round enclosure 701 comprises a permeable or semi-permeable area, which allows for the passage of gasses into the three-dimensional round enclosure 701. In this way, the gasses from the grain storage environment can interact with the internal sensors on the sensor pod 705, thereby allowing the sensors to detect environmental variables from the grain storage environment. For example, in an exemplary embodiment where the sensor pod 705 comprises an internal temperature sensor and an internal humidity sensor, the atmosphere from the grain storage condition can permeate the permeable area of the three-dimensional round enclosure 701. The temperature and humidity sensors can then interact with the atmospheric gas of the storage environment, thereby detecting the temperature and humidity level of the storage environment. In some embodiments, such as the enclosed sensor unit 700 depicted in FIG. 7A, the permeable area in the three-dimensional round enclosure 701 define at least one opening 702 that allows gasses to permeate the three-dimensional round enclosure 701.

Placement of the entire sensor unit 105 into such a three-dimensional round enclosure 701 offers several advantages heretofore unrealized in the prior art. For example, round enclosures such as three-dimensional round enclosure 701, by the virtue of their shape, are intrinsically resistant to damage from blunt force. Thus, sensor units 705 encapsulated in such three-dimensional round structures will be inherently more durable than sensor units having other shapes. This enhanced durability is particularly important in the field of grain storage due to, in some instances, prolonged exposure to the elements. Moreover, during deployment of the sensor pod, it might have to be dropped from significant heights, thereby risking damage to the sensor unit 705. Similarly, during emptying of the grain silos, the enclosed sensor unit 700 might be subject to significant force. Thus, the enhanced durability afforded by the three-dimensional round enclosure 702 represents a significant improvement over any prior art sensor devices for use in grain storage.

In addition to enhanced stability, the three-dimensional round enclosure 701 offers the advantage of easy deployment. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional round enclosure 701 is spherical and approximately the size of a softball. Such embodiments can easily be handled and tossed or thrown into place by a user (e.g., into a desired area within a grain silo). Such embodiments will also roll with ease, and the user can utilize this unique feature to place the sensor pod in an area that might otherwise be difficult to access, simply by rolling the sensor pod along the ground. In some embodiments, including the enclosed sensor unit 700 depicted in FIG. 7A (and, as discussed, enclosed sensor unit 750 depicted in FIG. 7B), the three-dimensional round enclosure further has a surface defining openings that aid the user in handling and rolling the sensor pod because such users can insert their fingers into such openings, thereby allowing for increased force and accuracy in positioning. In some embodiments, the user can utilize, for example, an external rod to better position the sensor pod. In some embodiments, the surface defines a plurality of openings that are independent of the opening used to facilitate interaction of the internal sensors with the grain storage environment. For example, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7A, the surface of the sensor defines three openings 703 for rolling the sensor pod, and the openings are arranged in a triangle. In some embodiments, the surface of the sensor ball is arranged such that at least some of these openings will be arranged in a manner that resembles a bowling ball. Such a configuration may be more familiar to the user and will allow greater control when placing the enclosed sensor unit 700.

The size of the three-dimensional round enclosure 701 (and thereby the size of enclosed sensor unit 700) also facilitates handling and deployment of enclosed sensor unit 700. In some embodiments, enclosed sensor unit 700 has an external diameter between 3 inches and 36 inches. In some embodiments, enclosed sensor unit 700 has an external diameter between 3 inches and 24 inches. In some embodiments, enclosed sensor unit 700 has an external diameter from 3 inches to 12 inches. In some embodiments, enclosed sensor unit 700 has an external diameter from 4 inches to 10 inches. In some embodiments, enclosed sensor unit 700 has an external diameter from 4 inches to 8 inches. In some embodiments, enclosed sensor unit 700 has an external diameter of 6 inches.

The dimensions are slightly different for embodiments of the enclosed sensor unit that are enclosed in an elongated case, such as enclosed sensor unit 750 depicted in FIG. 7B. In some embodiments, enclosed sensor unit 750 has a circular or semi-circular cross section having an external diameter between 3 inches and 36 inches and an external length (defined perpendicular to the first cross section) between 3 inches and 48 inches. In some embodiments, enclosed sensor unit 750 has a circular or semi-circular cross section having an external diameter between 3 inches and 24 inches and an external length between 3 inches and 36 inches. In some embodiments, enclosed sensor unit 750 has a circular or semi-circular cross section having an external diameter from 3 inches to 12 inches and an external length between 3 and 24 inches. In some embodiments, enclosed sensor unit 750 has circular or semi-circular cross section having an external diameter from 4 inches to 10 inches and an external length between 6 and 16 inches. In some embodiments, enclosed sensor unit 750 has circular or semi-circular cross section having an external diameter from 4 inches to 8 inches and an external length between 6 inches and 12 inches. In some embodiments, enclosed sensor unit 750 has a circular or semi-circular external diameter of 6 inches. In some embodiments, enclosed sensor unit 750 has a circular or semi-circular external diameter of 6 inches and a length between 8 and 12 inches.

The round shape of the three-dimensional round enclosure 701 also aids in retrieval of the sensor pods following deployment. For example, some grain silos are emptied using a vacuum system. Generally, a vacuum is applied to a portion of the grain, thereby pulling the grain out of the grain silo so it can be weighed and shipped. Application of the existing vacuum system to the grain silo can also create a negative pressure that will act on the sensor pod. Because of the shape of the three-dimensional round enclosure 701, the sensor pod will roll under the force of the negative pressure, thereby pulling the ball out of the grain storage environment (e.g., grain silo). In some embodiments, the dimensions of the sensor pod aid in retrieval because the diameter of the circular cross section (e.g., of enclosed sensor pod 700 and/or 750) is larger than the spacing between loadout grates, causing the sensor unit to remain in the storage container after unloading of the grain. In this way, the shape of the three-dimensional round enclosure 701 facilitates retrieval of the sensor pod.

In some embodiments, the enclosed sensor unit 700 further comprises structures for remote retrieval. Such structures may include one or more of the following. In some embodiments, an attached string or cord is connected to the three-dimensional round enclosure 701, so that the enclosed sensor unit 700 can be manually retrieved. In one such embodiment, the three-dimensional round enclosure 701 comprises a hook or a ring (as depicted, for example, as hooks 809 in FIG. 8A) to which the cord or string is reversibly attached. In other embodiments, the enclosed sensor unit 700 comprises enclosed motors that roll the enclosed sensor unit 700 using an off-center weight (e.g., a propulsion system using a weight mounted inside the ball on a gimbal, such that when the gimbal is rotated the heaviest part of the ball moves to different areas on the ball, causing rotation of the ball). In one such embodiment, the steering direction may be implemented using a gyroscope and controlled remotely. In other embodiments, internal fans may be used to roll the enclosed sensor unit 700 in the desired directions. In some embodiments, the delivery and/or retrieval of the enclosed sensor unit 700 is achieved using drones. In such embodiments, the three-dimensional round enclosure 701 may further comprise further modification (e.g., one or more handles, divots, openings, grooves, etc.) to facilitate the handling of the enclosed sensor unit 700 by the drone during delivery and/or retrieval. In other embodiments, delivery and/or retrieval is achieved because the enclosed sensor unit 700 itself is capable of flight (e.g., the enclosed sensor unit has fans built in such that it is a drone itself). In yet other embodiments, delivery and/or retrieval of the enclosed sensor unit 700 is achieved through magnetism. For example, retrieval can be achieved using electromagnets that are energized and de-energized in sequence such that the ball rolls itself along a metal surface.

In some embodiments, the enclosed sensor unit 700 may include one or more positioning sensors to determine position of the sensor unit 700, (e.g., GPS). In some embodiments, position may be determined through triangulation, (e.g., by measuring angle to strongest signal for three or more wireless nodes that are in known locations).

In some embodiments the enclosed sensor units 700 may move themselves to provide even coverage of the space. In some such embodiments, a set of rules for desirable placement is created. For example, in some embodiments, a rule is created so that each enclosed sensor unit 700 must be no further than 10 meters from its nearest sensor unit. In this embodiment, the enclosed sensor units 700 may use their data communication capability to transmit their position to a central device, such as a gateway. The central device may use a planner (e.g. a recursive decent planner) to determine an efficient plan for moving the balls so they satisfy the rules for desirable placement as closely as possible. The central device may then transmit to each enclosed sensor unit 700 instructions as to where each enclosed sensor unit 700 should move and/or what route each enclosed sensor unit 700 should take to achieve the best placement. For embodiments in which the enclosed sensor unit 700 is not configured to move itself, coordinated movement of the enclosed sensor unit 700 can also be achieved, for example, using drones, as described above.

In some embodiments, a camera may be included on an enclosed sensor unit 700. In some embodiments the camera is used to transmit continuous (e.g. low resolution images of the surrounding area) or periodic images of the area. In some embodiments, the camera is used to transmit thermal images. These images are used to determine local conditions remotely, such as development of a pest colony or visual observation of wheat kernels to determine their condition. In some embodiments, the enclosed sensor unit 700 comprises hyper spectral imaging sensors that can detect the presence of specific chemicals (e.g., phosphine gas, methane, etc.).

One exemplary embodiment is depicted in FIG. 8A in exploded view. In this embodiment, the three-dimensional round enclosure 801 comprises a top part 801A and a bottom part 801B. In this embodiment, the top portion part of the enclosure 801A defines a plurality of small openings 810, which comprises permeable area 802. Sensors 807 are located directly under the top part of enclosure 801A. The three dimensional round enclosure further comprises two hooks 809, located on the bottom part of the enclosure 801B, which can be used for hanging, deploying, and retrieving enclosed sensor unit 800. In this way, sensors 807 can interact with the grain storage environment, thereby detecting data corresponding to relevant environmental variables. In the example depicted in FIG. 8A, three sensors (807A-C) are installed on the sensor board 804 of enclosed sensor unit 800. In some embodiments, these sensors 807 are modular and can be removed and/or replaced without damaging other portions of the enclosed sensor unit 800. In this embodiment, an on/off switch 806 is also located on the sensor board 804. In some embodiments, on/off switch 806 can be manipulated via button 808 on the top part of the enclosure 801A (button 808 is visible in the schematic in FIG. 8A). In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 8A, power source 805 and antenna 803 are located underneath the sensor board 804. In some embodiments, these components are also modular and can be removed and/or replaced without damaging other portions of enclosed sensor unit 800. In some embodiments, internal components (e.g., power source, memory, antenna, etc.) are sealed such that corrosive gasses cannot come into contact with these components.

Another exemplary embodiment is depicted in FIG. 8B in exploded view. Enclosed sensor unit 850 has many of the components described above, with respect to enclosed sensor unit 800, depicted in FIG. 8B. Such components include Sensors 857A-C, sensor board 854, power source 855, and antenna 853. In some embodiments, each of these components can be modular and replaceable, as described above. All of these components are fully enclosed in three dimensional round enclosure 851, which is comprised of the top part of the enclosure 851A and bottom part of the enclosure 851B. Many variations and designs for enclosed sensor units 700 are within the scope of the present disclosure, including, for example, those with elongated three-dimensional round enclosures (i.e., embodiments having a three-dimensional round enclosure having at least one cross section that is ellipsoid).

Another exemplary embodiment is depicted in FIG. 8C. Like previously described embodiments, enclosed sensor unit 880 comprises a three-dimensional round enclosure 881 that is made up of a top part 881A and a bottom part 881B. The top part of the enclosure 881A comprises permeable area 882. In embodiment 880, permeable area 882 comprises a screen 888 that has small enough openings to prevent grain and other particulate matter to enter the enclosure 881 and allow gas to enter the enclosure 881, thereby interacting with the internal sensor units. Screen 888 is modular and can be easily replaced so that screens can be implemented having ideal hole sizes that maximize airflow into the enclosure 881 for each particular grain type. Sensor board 884 is also designed to be modular and easily replaceable, such that a user can swap out the sensor board to incorporate different combinations of sensors (e.g., temperature sensor, humidity sensor, phosphine sensor, etc.) into enclosed sensor unit 880. Enclosed sensor unit 880 is designed such that the sensors are exposed to the environment, but other electronics are sealed in an inner chamber that is not exposed to the environment. In this way, enclosed sensor unit 880 is designed to extend the lifetime of the most high-value electronics. Enclosed sensor unit 880 also comprises antenna unit 883. Antenna unit 883 comprises two circular coaxial antennas, each oriented at a 90° angle from each other. In some embodiments, the enclosed sensor unit 880 will turn on the first coaxial antenna and test the signal quality. The enclosed sensor unit 880 will then turn on the second coaxial antenna and test the signal quality. Next, the enclosed sensor unit 880 will compare the two signals and use the coaxial antenna that delivers the best signal quality. Although the preceding exemplary embodiment utilize spherical or nearly spherical enclosures, each of the features described with respect to enclosed sensor units 800, 850, and 880 can be similarly implemented with enclosed sensor units that comprise an elongated enclosure, such as that described in FIG. 7B.

III. Wireless Spear Sensor Units

In some embodiments, the standalone sensor unit 105 is constructed as a wireless spear sensor unit 900, depicted in FIG. 9A. As discussed above, sensor units 105 may comprise external wired sensors 308. Although described as external wired sensors 308 because they are located outside of the main sensor body (e.g., upper sensor enclosure 910), external wired sensors 308 in some embodiments of wireless spear sensor unit 900 are located within sensor shaft 920. Furthermore, although some embodiments described herein comprise sensors housed in upper sensor enclosure 910, many embodiments lack such sensors and comprise only sensors located in sensor shaft 920. Wireless spear sensor unit 900, which represents one set of embodiments of sensor unit 105, can comprise all of the components of sensor unit 105 and possess all the functionality previously described with respect to sensor unit 105. With respect to the schematic in FIG. 3, in wireless spear sensor unit 900, the sensor unit 105 is located within an enclosure at the top of an elongated spear, while the external wired sensors 308 are located along the sensor shaft 920 of the elongated spear. As discussed above, external wired sensors detect one or more environmental variables and communicate that information to the sensor unit 105, where the data is stored and/or transmitted. In some embodiments, internal sensors 307, located within the upper sensor enclosure 910, also detect one or more environmental variables, thereby generating data to be stored and/or transmitted.

FIG. 9A depicts one exemplary embodiment of wireless spear sensor unit 900. Wireless spear sensor unit 900 comprises an upper sensor enclosure 910 and sensor shaft 920. In some embodiments, wireless spear sensor unit 900 comprises external antenna 912, coupled to the upper sensor enclosure 910. In other embodiments, the antenna is located within the upper sensor enclosure 910 and/or sensor shaft 920. In some embodiments, upper sensor enclosure 910 encompasses sensor pod 915, which may include all functionality associated with sensor unit 105, described above. In some embodiments, the following features are enclosed within upper sensor enclosure 910: a power supply 301, memory 302, processor 303, radio receiver 304, radio transmitter 305, and internal sensors 307. In some embodiments, external antenna 912 assists, for example, the radio receiver 304 and radio transmitter 305 in communicating with, for example: cloud computing system 101 (for example, over long-range wireless network 150); other sensor units 105 (for example, over local wireless network 140), including other wireless spear sensor units 900; and gateway 102, etc. In embodiments having an internal antenna, the internal antenna performs these functions.

In some embodiments, sensor pod 915 comprises one or more internal sensors 307, located within the upper sensor enclosure 910. In some embodiments, sensor pod 915 comprises one of the following: a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, an oxygen sensor, a phosphine sensor, an ethylene sensor, a sound/acoustic sensor, a pressure sensor, and an accelerometer. In some embodiments, sensor pod 915 comprises a temperature sensor. In another exemplary embodiment, sensor pod 915 comprises a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. In another exemplary embodiment, sensor pod 915 comprises at least one of a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. In another embodiment, sensor pod 915 comprises at least one of a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, as well as at least one of the following: a carbon dioxide sensor, an oxygen sensor, a phosphine sensor, an ethylene sensor, a sound/acoustic sensor, a pressure sensor, and an accelerometer. In another embodiment, sensor pod 915 comprises both a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. In some embodiments, sensor pod 915 comprises a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a phosphine sensor. In another embodiment, sensor pod 915 comprises both a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, as well as at least one of the following: a carbon dioxide sensor, an oxygen sensor, a phosphine sensor, an ethylene sensor, a sound/acoustic sensor, and an accelerometer. A person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various combinations of such sensors can be used without straying from the scope of the present patent document and claims. In some embodiments, upper sensor enclosure 910 does not contain any sensor units, housing only the power supply 301, memory 302, processor 303, radio receiver 304, radio transmitter 305, and, in some embodiments, the antenna. In such embodiments, the environmental data is generated only from the local shaft sensors 925 on the sensor shaft 920, and stored, processed, and/or transmitted via the electronics located in the upper sensor enclosure 910.

In some embodiments, sensor shaft 920 comprises one or more local shaft sensors 925A-Z. In some embodiments, sensor shaft 920 of wireless spear sensor unit 900 comprises a plurality (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.) of local shaft sensors 925. In some embodiments, local shaft sensors 925 are located along sensor shaft 920. In some embodiments, each local shaft sensor 925 is located at a different position along the sensor shaft 920. In some embodiments at least one local shaft sensor 925 is located at a different position along the sensor shaft 920 than one other local shaft sensor 925. In some embodiments, local shaft sensors 925 are enclosed within the sensor shaft 920 and can detect the external environment. In some embodiments, local shaft sensors 925 are affixed to the outside of sensor shaft 920 and can detect the external environment. In some embodiments, the local shaft sensors 925 do not communicate with the sensor pod 915 though a wired connection; in such embodiments, the local shaft sensors 925 can be described with respect to FIG. 3 as wireless external sensors 309A-Z. In some embodiments, the local shaft sensor 925 communicate with the sensor pod 915 though a wired connection (e.g., located within sensor shaft 920); in such embodiments, the local shaft sensors 925 can be described with respect to FIG. 3 as wired external sensors 308A-Z.

In some embodiments, each local shaft sensor 925 comprises one of the following: a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, an oxygen sensor, a phosphine sensor, an ethylene sensor, a sound/acoustic sensor, a pressure sensor, and an accelerometer. In another exemplary embodiment, each local shaft sensor 925 detects the same environmental variable or set of variables. In one exemplary embodiment, each local shaft sensor 925 comprises a temperature sensor. In another exemplary embodiment, each local shaft sensor 925 comprises a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. In another exemplary embodiment, each local shaft sensor 925 comprises at least one of a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. In some embodiments, a first local shaft sensor 925 detects a different environmental variable or set of variables than a second local shaft sensor 925. For example, in one embodiment, a first local shaft sensor 925 comprises a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, and a second local shaft sensor 925 comprises a phosphine sensor. In another embodiment, at least one local shaft sensor 925 comprises at least one of a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, as well as at least one of the following: a carbon dioxide sensor, an oxygen sensor, a phosphine sensor, an ethylene sensor, a sound/acoustic sensor, a pressure sensor, and an accelerometer. In another embodiment, at least one local shaft sensor 925 comprises a temperature sensor. In another embodiment, at least one local shaft sensor 925 comprises both a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. In some embodiments, at least one local shaft sensor 925 comprises a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a phosphine sensor. In other embodiments, at least one local shaft sensor 925 comprises both a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, as well as at least one of the following: a carbon dioxide sensor, an oxygen sensor, a phosphine sensor, an ethylene sensor, a sound/acoustic sensor, and an accelerometer. In another embodiment, each local shaft sensor 925 comprises a temperature sensor. In another embodiment, each local shaft sensor 925 comprises both a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. In some embodiments, each local shaft sensor 925 comprises a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a phosphine sensor. In other embodiments, each local shaft sensor 925 comprises both a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, as well as at least one of the following: a carbon dioxide sensor, an oxygen sensor, a phosphine sensor, an ethylene sensor, a sound/acoustic sensor, and an accelerometer. A person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various combinations of such sensors can be used without straying from the scope of the present patent document and claims.

The size of the wireless spear sensor unit can vary. The upper sensor enclosure 910 can have, for example, any dimensions discussed above with respect to enclosed sensor units 700 and 750. The sensor shaft 920 can also be of several dimensions (e.g., having length of about 0.1 meters, 0.2 meters, 0.3 meters, 0.4, 0.5 meters, 0.75 meters, 1 meters, 1.25 meters, 1.5 meters, 1.75 meters, 2 meters, 2.25 meters, 2.5 meters, 2.75 meters, 3 meters, etc.). In some embodiments, the sensor shaft 920 is about 2 meters long. In some embodiments, the sensor shaft is between about 0.1 to 10 meters long. In some embodiments, the sensor shaft is between about 0.5 to 5 meters long. In some embodiments, the sensor shaft is between about 0.1 to 10 meters long. In some embodiments, the sensor shaft is between about 1 to 3 meters long. In some embodiments, the sensor shaft is between 1.5 to 2.5 meters long.

As described above with respect to sensor unit 105, wireless spear sensor unit 900 can communicate data via a wireless network. In some embodiments, wireless spear sensor unit 900 can communicate data over a long range wireless network. In some embodiments, wireless spear sensor unit 900 can communicate data to a cloud computing system without the need for a gateway. In some embodiments, wireless spear sensor unit 900 communicates data to a cloud computing system using a long-range wireless network (e.g., across a cellular network using a cellular modem). In such embodiments, any cellular network connectivity can be utilized, including for example LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G connectivity. In some embodiments, wireless spear unit 900 communicates to other sensor units (e.g., other wireless spear sensor units, full enclosed sensor pods, etc.) over a local network. In some embodiments, this local network is a meshing network. In some embodiments, the wireless spear sensor unit 900 can receive data from the other sensors, store this data on a local storage memory, analyze this data, and/or transmit this data to a cloud computing system via a long-range wireless network. In some embodiments, wireless spear sensor unit 900 can receive data from a cloud computing system, store this data on a local storage memory, analyze this data, and/or transmit this data to the other sensors.

In some embodiments, wireless spear sensor unit 900 can execute any functionality previously discussed with respect to gateway 102. Like the other sensor units described above, wireless spear sensor unit 900 can participate in sensor systems that utilize designated master/minion operability described above with respect to sensor system 100. Thus, for example, in some embodiments, the ability for a wireless spear sensor 900 to receive data from other sensors, store this data on local storage memory, analyze this data, and/or transmit this data can be selectively controlled (e.g., turned on or off with respect to one or more sensor units). In some embodiments, the wireless spear sensor unit 900 can automatically detect other sensors within proximity of the local wireless network. In some embodiments, upon detection of an in-range sensor, the wireless spear sensor unit 900 automatically connects to such sensor. In some embodiments, upon detection of an in-range sensor, the wireless spear sensor 900 automatically prompts the user to determine whether to connect wireless spear sensor unit 900 to the in-range sensor.

Wireless spear sensor units, such as wireless spear sensor unit 900, are ideally suited for many functions, including, for example, monitoring perishable commodities during storage and/or transport. For example, wireless spear sensor unit 900 can be used to monitor grain quality during transport on a barge. The elongated shaft 920 can be inserted into a pile of grain such that the local shaft sensors 925 detect environmental variables (e.g., temperature, humidity, phosphine, etc.). within the grain pile, while the sensor pod 915 within upper sensor enclosure 910 detects environmental variables (e.g., temperature, humidity, phosphine, etc.) above the grain pile. In embodiments of wireless spear sensor unit 900 that communicate directly to the cloud computing system 101 (over, for example, a cellular network), the grain can be monitored during transport and/or storage without the need for a gateway or an external power source. In some embodiments, the power source is a rechargeable multi-year battery. Such embodiments are therefore ideal for transport and/or storage for long time frames in remote areas.

In some embodiments, the wireless spear sensor unit 900 communicates directly to a cloud computing system, for example, over a wireless network. The cloud computing system can be accessed, for example, via a user interface such as a smart phone, computer, or tablet. In some embodiments, all of the features discussed in detail below (e.g., anomaly detection, GSQI, viewing of historical and predicted data, etc.) interface via the cloud computing system and are accessible via the user interface. In some embodiments, one or more wireless spear sensor units 900 can be operated in any of the sensor systems (e.g., 100, 600, 1300, 1600, 1800, etc.) described in the present disclosure, including for example master/minion functionality and self-healing network functionality.

Although the preceding discussion highlights the use of enclosed sensor systems in the application of monitoring grain storage, these modular sensor apparatuses are equally applicable to the monitoring of other items in storage (e.g., fruits and vegetables). This can be accomplished simply by configuring the sensors on the sensor panel to detect environmental conditions relevant to the desired application (e.g., the use of ethylene, temperature, and/or humidity in the monitoring of stored fruit and/or vegetables).

IV. Sensor-Enhanced Fasteners

In some embodiments, the standalone sensor unit 105 is constructed as a sensor-enhanced fastener unit, such as, for example, sensor-enhanced fastener unit 950, depicted in FIG. 9B. Sensor-enhanced fastener units, such as sensor-enhanced fastener unit 950, are designed to enhance the structural integrity of a grain storage structure when used as a component of the grain storage structure. In some embodiments, sensor-enhanced fastener unit 950 is used as a component of a grain storage structure by replacing a standard fastener (e.g., a grain bin bolt) in the grain storage structure with the sensor-enhanced fastener unit 950. In some embodiments, the sensor-enhanced fastener unit 950 performs the function of a standard fastener, such as a grain bin bolt, when installed in the grain storage structure. For example, in some embodiments, the sensor-enhanced fastener unit 950 secures one or more sheets of material (e.g., sheet metal) in place, thereby stabilizing a structural feature of the grain storage structure (e.g., a wall, roof, etc.).

In addition, the sensor-enhanced fastener units disclosed herein, such as sensor-enhanced fastener unit 950, can perform any combination of the functions disclosed herein with respect to sensor units 105, including standalone sensor units, such as, for example, wireless sensor spear unit 900 or fully encapsulated sensor pod 700. For example, sensor-enhanced fastener unit 950 can detect environmental variables in the grain storage environment, transmit data (either wirelessly or through a wired connection) to, for example, a gateway 102 or a cloud computing system 101. In some embodiments, sensor-enhanced fastener unit 950 can locally store data and/or process data, for example, on a memory chip contained in the fastener unit 950. Thus, sensor-enhanced fastener unit 950 performs two distinct functions: (1) it enhances the stability of a grain storage structure when installed in the grain storage structure; and (2) it performs the function of sensor units such as sensor unit 105, such as for example, detecting environmental variables, generating environmental data, and transmitting environmental data.

One exemplary embodiment of the sensor-enhanced fastener unit is sensor-enhanced fastener unit 950, depicted in FIG. 9B. FIG. 9B depicts an external view of fastener unit 950 (left side of FIG. 9B) and a schematic demonstrating the some of the internal components of fastener unit 950 (right side of Fig. B). The fastener unit 950 comprises a distal enclosure 960 coupled to an elongated body 970. In FIG. 9B, a spherical distal enclosure 960 is depicted, but the distal enclosure can be any three-dimensional shape. The distal enclosure 960 is located at one end of the fastener unit, and is coupled to the elongated body 970 at one end of the elongated by 970. In some embodiments, the elongated body 970 encompasses an elongated cavity 972, which ins some embodiments houses electronic components such as, for example, sensors and wires.

As depicted in FIG. 9B, distal enclosure 960 houses electronics module 965. In some embodiments, electronics module 965 comprises a power supply 301, memory 302, processor 303, radio receiver 304 and radio transmitter 305. In some embodiments, electronics module 965 comprises interface 306, allowing the sensor-enhanced fastener unit 950 to be attached to a wired network through any known means (e.g., ethernet, USB, etc.). In some embodiments, distal enclosure 960 comprises an opening, for example, to allow a wired connection (e.g., ethernet, etc.) to be attached to electronics module 965. Electronics module 965 is coupled to one or sensors 975A-Z, located in the elongated cavity 972 within the elongated body 970. In some embodiments, such as the sensor-enhanced fastener unit 960 depicted in FIG. 9B, sensors 975A-Z are located within the elongated cavity 972 at or near one end of elongated body 970. In some such embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9B, sensor 975A-Z are located at or near the end of the elongated body 970 opposite the distal enclosure 960 (i.e., the distal enclosure is located at a first end of fastener unit 950 and the sensors 975A-Z are located at a second end of fastener unit 950).

In some embodiments, such as fastener unit 950 depicted in FIG. 9B, the external surface 971 of the elongated body 970 optionally comprises a sintered portion 973 comprising a sintered metal. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the fastener unit 950 comprises sintered metal. In some embodiments, the elongated body 970 has a length of 1 inch to 18 inches (e.g, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or 18 inches or fractions thereof) and/or at least a portion having a width of 0.25 inch to 1 inch (e.g., ¼, 5/16, ⅜, 7/16, ½, 9/16, ⅝, 11/16, ¾, 13/16, ⅞, 15/16, or 1 inch or fractions thereof) or 6 mm to 30 mm (e.g., 6, 7, 8, 9. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, etc.) or a fraction thereof. The elongated body 970 can have dimensions, including length and/or width, corresponding to any currently used bolt for grain storage structures, including dimensions in both standard (U.S.) and metric systems of measurement. In some embodiments, the elongated body 970 has a length of 1 inch to 18 inches and/or a width of 0.25 inches to 1 inch. In some embodiments, the elongated body 970 has a length of 1 inch to 12 inches and/or a width of 0.25 inch to 1 inch. In some embodiments, elongated body 970 has a length of about 3 inches to 9 inches and/or a width of 0.25 inch to 0.5 inch. In some embodiments not depicted in FIG. 9B, the external surface 971 comprises a threaded surface, such as, for example, the threaded surface found on a traditional screw or threaded bolt. In some embodiments, fastener unit 950 comprises stainless steel, zinc aluminum dicast, aluminum, or zinc. In some embodiments, fastener 950 comprises a portion for tightening fastener, such as for example, a hexagonal flange, a square flange, and other standard flanges, or a geometric indentation such as a flathead slot, a Philips indentation, or hexagonal indentation, etc. Many means for tightening a bolt are known in the art, and such means are compatible with and within the purview of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, sensor-enhanced fastener unit 950 can perform the standard functions of standard fasteners (e.g., grain bin bolts, grain silo bolts, etc.). In some embodiments, fastener 950 enhances the stability of a grain storage structure when used as a component of the grain storage structure (e.g., used in replacement of a standard grain bin bolt). In some embodiments, fasteners 950 can impart stability on a grain storage structure, for example, by withstanding at least one of the following forces: tension force (e.g., applied to the length of the bolt, providing pressure on the bolt along the vertical dimension) or shear force (e.g., transverse pressure working against the bolt in the perpendicular direction). In some embodiments, the fastener 950 imparts a clamping force (e.g., compression applied to the joint, thereby holding two components together) on one or more component of a grain storage structure. In various embodiments, the fasteners 950 exert or withstand various forces commonly exerted or withstood by traditional grain storage fasteners, thereby stabilizing a grain storage structure. In some embodiments, the fasteners 950 stabilize the grain storage structure by providing a force that holds a first portion of the grain storage structure in place relative to a second portion of the grain storage structure.

In some embodiments, sensor 975 comprises one of the following: a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, an oxygen sensor, a phosphine sensor, an ethylene sensor, a sound/acoustic sensor, a pressure sensor, and an accelerometer. In one exemplary embodiment, sensor 975 comprises a temperature sensor. In another exemplary embodiment, sensor 975 comprises a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. In another exemplary embodiment, sensor 975 comprises at least one of a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. In another embodiment, sensor 975 comprises at least one of a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, as well as at least one of the following: a carbon dioxide sensor, an oxygen sensor, a phosphine sensor, an ethylene sensor, a sound/acoustic sensor, a pressure sensor, and an accelerometer. In another embodiment, sensor 975 comprises a temperature sensor. In another embodiment, sensor 975 comprises both a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. In some embodiments, sensor 975 comprises a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a phosphine sensor. In other embodiments, sensor 975 comprises both a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, as well as at least one of the following: a carbon dioxide sensor, an oxygen sensor, a phosphine sensor, an ethylene sensor, a sound/acoustic sensor, and an accelerometer. Any combination of sensors disclosed herein can be used with sensor-enhanced fastener unit 950. A person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various combinations of such sensors can be used, and such embodiments are within the scope of the present patent disclosure.

Sensor-enhanced fastener unit 950 can perform any of the functions described herein with respect to standalone sensor units 105, including, for example, full-encompassed sensor units 700 and 800. For example, in some embodiments, fastener unit 950 detects an environmental data in a grain storage environment, generates environmental data, and transmits environmental data, for example, over a wired or wireless network. In some embodiments, the fastener unit 950 functions as a node in a wireless meshing network. In some embodiments, the fastener unit 950 transmits and receives data through a wireless meshing network. In some embodiments, fastener unit transmits and receives data through a wired network, such as, for example, a network comprising ethernet connection. In some embodiments, the fastener unit 950 stores environmental data locally and processes environmental data locally. In various embodiments, fastener unit 950 can be used as a component of any sensor system disclosed herein, including those with advanced data analysis features.

An exemplary sensor system utilizing a plurality of sensor-enhanced fastener units 950 is depicted in FIG. 9C. FIG. 9C depicts a grain storage structure 990 in which a plurality of standard fasteners have been replaced with sensor-enhanced fastener units 950A-Z. The fastener units 950 are spread out throughout the structure at regular intervals to provide detailed environmental data on the grain storage environment inside grain storage structure 990. Each fastener unit 950 generates environmental data and transmits the environmental data across first network 985 to gateways 980A and 980B, located in the headspace and plenum of the grain storage structure, respectively. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9C, the fastener units 950 function as nodes in the first network 985, receiving data from other fastener units 950 and transmitting that data further along first network 985. In some embodiments, first network 985 is a wireless meshing network. In some embodiments, first network 985 is a wired network. In some embodiments, first network 985 is a star network, with each fastener unit 950 transmitting data to gateways 980 without the use of other fastener units 950 as network nodes. In some embodiments, fastener unit 950 transmits data to a cloud computing system over a long-range wireless network (e.g., cellular network) directly (i.e., without need to relay through a gateway).

Sensor systems utilizing fastener units 950 can utilize advanced analytical methodology described herein, including for example, calculating and predicting GSQI, determining presence and location of anomalous conditions in the grain, providing predictive analytics, providing 3-D visualization of environmental data and anomalous conditions, and energy-saving features. For example, in some embodiments such as for example, the embodiment depicted in Fig. C, the system utilizes an energy-saving feature in which the system collects data at two different rates: a first data collection rate, which is a slower baseline rate, (e.g., collecting data once every 6 hours), and at a second data collection rate, which utilizes more rapid measurements (e.g., collecting data once every 10 minutes). In some embodiments, the system changes from the first rate to the second rate upon determination that a fan or exhaust in the grain storage structure 990 has been activated (e.g., by detecting increased airflow, increased electrical current running to the fan, or increased noise, etc.). Thus, the system will collect more data when the fan or exhaust is on, and allowing the system to utilize the increased airflow to detect and locate anomalous conditions in the grain as discussed above. In some of such embodiments, the detection of the activated fan or exhaust is achieved by gateway 980, which comprises wired external sensors 981 that can detect the increased airflow, noise, electrical current, etc. In some embodiments, the system switched from the second data collection rate to the first data collection rate after the system determines that the fan or exhaust is no longer activated. In various other embodiments, the system switches from the first data collection rate to the second data collection rate and/or from the second data collection rate to the first data collection rate based on other stimuli discussed herein, such as predetermined timeframe, user input, or detection of a value out of predicted range, or any other stimulus disclosed herein (for example, with respect to sensor systems switching between sleep and wake modes). In some embodiments, the first data collection rate is in the range of once every 10 minutes to once every two weeks or longer. In some embodiments, the second data collection rate is in the range of once every second to once every day. Other data collection rates are within the scope of the present disclosure.

V. Advanced Functionality of Sensors and Sensor Systems

In some embodiments, the sensor units 105, including enclosed sensor units 700, possess additional functionality to that which has been heretofore described. Throughout the present disclosure, references made to features and functionality of sensor units 105 include those embodiments in which the sensor unit 105 is enclosed in a three-dimensional round enclosure, such as, for example, enclosed sensor unit 700.

A. Power Saving Features

Some embodiments of sensor units 105 use a battery as a power source. As in any battery system, it is desirable for battery life to be as long as possible. Therefore, in some embodiments, sensor units 105 have features and programs in place to effectuate power savings, thereby increasing the battery life of the unit.

A common strategy for power savings is to have electronics go to sleep, e.g., enter a low-power consumption state. In a sleep mode unused or unnecessary electronic circuits can be powered down, with only a small portion of the electronics remaining powered up so that the small portion can wake up the remaining electronics.

In some embodiments, sensor unit 105 can transition into and out of a sleep mode. In many embodiments of sensor units 105, the most power-hungry component is the radio transmitter 305. Accordingly, in some embodiments, when sensor unit 105 is in sleep mode, no power is delivered to the radio transmitter 305. In some embodiments, when sensor unit 105 is in sleep mode, no power is delivered to at least one of the following: radio transmitter 305, radio receiver 304, internal sensors 307, interface 306, and external wired sensors 308. In some embodiments, when sensor unit 105 is in sleep mode, no power is delivered to the radio transmitter 305, and at least one of the following: radio receiver 304, internal sensors 307, interface 306, and external wired sensors 308. In those embodiments where no power is delivered to radio transmitter 305 while the sensor unit 105 is in sleep mode, no data can be transmitted from the sensor unit 105 until the sensor unit 105 transitions out of sleep mode (thereby delivering power once again to radio transmitter 305). Therefore, the transition into and out of sleep mode can be controlled in a variety of manners, each of which can be used either alone or in combination with the others.

In some embodiments, the sensor unit 105 transitions into and out of sleep mode based on an internal timing system. In some embodiments, the schedule can be set by the user (using, for example, a user interface application, such as a native or web-based application). In some embodiments, the schedule will be preconfigured. In some embodiments, the sensor unit 105 will transition out of sleep mode when the sensor unit is moved. In such embodiments, the accelerometer will initiate the waking protocol when it detects movement beyond a predetermined threshold. In some embodiments, the sensor unit 105 will transition into sleep mode when it is unable to connect to the local network (e.g., wirelessly through connection to gateway 102 or repeater) for a predetermined period of time. In some embodiments, the sensor unit will repeatedly attempt to connect to the local network (e.g., once every minute) for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 30 minutes) before transitioning into sleep mode. Other protocols for transitions into and out of sleep mode are described below.

As discussed above, in some embodiments, data values may be tracked and stored in the sensor unit 105 (i.e., stored on local memory 302). In some embodiments, the sensor unit 105 can compare the latest data set to one or more prior data sets. If the latest data set has not changed meaningfully from the one or more prior data sets, then to save power a special short message that indicates that “nothing has changed” may be sent instead of the latest data set. Because the power needed by a transmitter is directly proportional to length of power transmission (which in turn is directly proportional to the length of message sent), the shorter message sent in lieu of the latest data set will require less power to send. While this process consumes more power than not sending data at all, it allows the receiver to know that the sensor unit 105 is still functional and active. However, in other embodiments, the sensor unit 105 will not send anything at all if the latest data set is not meaningfully different than one or more prior data sets.

In other embodiments, if all data values since the last transmission are within a desired range, data is sent in a batch mode on an infrequent basis to save power. However, if any data value since the last transmission is out of range, the data may be sent either immediately or more frequently. For example, suppose a sensor previously detected a carbon dioxide level of 405 parts per million (ppm) and transmitted that data value to the gateway 102. The range for the sensor unit 105 was set at ±10 ppm. If the next measurement was within that range (e.g., 408 ppm), then the sensor 105 unit would locally store the data and would not transmit the data to the gateway 102. In some embodiments, as long as each new data set was within the range (e.g. 395-415 ppm), this local storage would continue for a predetermined number of cycles (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc. measurements). Only after the completion of the predetermined number of cycles would the locally stored data set be sent from sensor unit 105 to gateway 102. In some embodiments, each of the stored data sets would be sent. In other embodiments, an average (e.g., mean, median, etc.) value would be sent instead of the entirety of the locally stored data. However, if, for example, the next data value detected was out of range (e.g., 447 ppm), then that data would be sent before the predetermined number of cycles. For example, in one embodiment, the out-of-range data would be sent immediately. In other embodiments, the out-of-range data would be sent if later confirmed in additional measurements.

In other embodiments, a trend model runs in both the gateway 102 and the sensor unit 105 using identical mathematical equations. In such embodiments, the sensor unit 105 tracks the data values that the trend model in the gateway 102 calculates. If the sensor unit 105 determines that the values calculated in the gateway 102 have good accuracy data may be sent less frequently, even if the data are outside of range. However, if the values of the trend model drifts from the actual values, data may be sent from the sensor unit 105 to the gateway 102. For example, temperature in a refrigerated storage environment can be monitored using this method. In this example, the trend model assumes that values outside of range will continue to have the same first and second derivative, for example 1° C. rise per hour and a 0.1° C. decrease in the rate of rise. So if a temperature of 10° C. is sent one hour and the value read by the sensor pod is 11° C. in the next hour and 11.9° C. in the following hour, there would be no need to send these intermediate values since the model has done a good job predicting values. However, if the value read by the sensor pod is 11.1° C. and then 13.0° C., one or both values may be transmitted since it is clear that the trend model is not making accurate predictions. This technique may have significant saving in the amount of data being transmitted, thereby extending the battery life of the sensor unit 105. This method also greatly increases the amount of off-line data that can be stored.

In some embodiments, the data transmission interval may be adaptive, such that the frequency of transmission may be based on how far the values predicted by the trend model differ from the actual values. For example, a given embodiment might have a policy of not transmitting a new value if the trend model is accurate to 5%, transmitting a new value every 60 minutes if the trend model has between 5% and 10% inaccuracy, and transmitting a new value every 10 minutes if the accuracy of the trend model is 10% or worse.

In some embodiments, variable length coding may be utilized so that the amount of data needed to send a data packet with values that are normal and expected (such as small changes in value) requires less bits than for values that are unexpected (such as large changes in value). One method of implementing such variable length coding is Huffman Coding. Those skilled in the art will realize that other variable length codes may be substituted for other known techniques (e.g., Snappy compression).

B. Alarms and/or Notifications

In some embodiments, alarms and/or notifications are generated under certain circumstances. In some embodiments comparison data from one part of the system, e.g. a sensor pod may be forwarded to another part of the system (e.g., a gateway). In some embodiments the comparison data may be used for an alarm and/or a comparison display. In some embodiments, the alarm and/or notification is generated by the gateway 102. In some embodiments, the alarm and/or notification is generated by one or more sensors 105. In some embodiments, the alarm and/or notification signal is sent to cloud computing 101, which can be accessed by user interfaces, such as for example mobile phone 103 or personal computer 104. In some embodiments, the alarm and/or notification is generated by at least one of the following: the gateway 102, the sensor unit 105, and the cloud computing system 101.

In some embodiments, alarms and/or notifications are generated in response to data values outside a predetermined range. The range can be set using any methodology described herein. For example, the range can be manually set by the user (via, for example, the cloud computing interface or the gateway). The range can also be predetermined based a number of preset modules. The range can also be dynamic and based on prior measurements registered by the sensor unit, or those registered by other sensor units. In some embodiments, when the sensor registers data that are outside the predetermined range, an alarm signal is generated at the sensor unit 105 and sent to other parts of the sensor system (e.g., the gateway 102 and/or cloud computing system 101). In other embodiments, the data from sensor 105 is sent to the gateway 102, where the data value is compared to the range and the alarm signal is generated. In yet other embodiments, the data is received by the cloud computing system 101, where the data value is compared to the range and the alarm signal is generated. In some embodiments, the alarm and/or notification signal is sent back to the gateway 102 and/or accessed via a user interface to the cloud computing system 101 (e.g., a mobile phone).

In some embodiments, alarms and/or notifications are generated when one sensor unit registers a data value that is significantly different than those data values registered by other sensor units. As discussed above, in some embodiments multiple sensor units 105 communicate with a single gateway 102. In some embodiments, data from different sensor units 105 are compared to each other to determine outliers and/or failures. In such embodiments one or more of the following techniques are used:

-   -   a. Data from each sensor units 105 is forwarded to a gateway         102, wherein the comparison is made;     -   b. Data from a first sensor unit 105 (e.g., 105A) is         communicated to a second sensor unit (e.g., 105B) wherein the         comparison is made; and     -   c. Data from a first sensor pod is send through a network (e.g.         a self-organizing mesh network) to a second sensor pod wherein         the comparison is made.         If the data from the first sensor pod is significantly different         than the data from the second sensor pod, an alarm and/or         notification will be generated, for example, on the gateway, the         sensor unit itself, or the cloud computing system (which can be         accessed by a user interface such as a mobile phone or         computer). Those skilled in the art will realize that the above         may be generalized to an arbitrary number of sensor units and/or         gateways.

As described above, in some embodiments, sensor unit 105 comprises a plurality of sensors (e.g., internal sensors 307, external wired sensors 398, or external wireless sensors 309). In some embodiments data sets from different sensors attached and/or communicating to the same sensor unit 105 may be compared to each other to determine outliers and/or failures. For example, if a single sensor unit 105 has three different external temperature probes, each located within the same grain storage bag and one shows a temperature that is 10 degrees or more different than the other two, a fault condition could be declared with an appropriate notification and/or alarm to the user.

In some embodiments, various components of the sensor units 105 and/or sensor system 100 are connected by long wires. In some such embodiments, noise picked up by long wires may be addressed. In some embodiments, longer probe lengths may act as an antenna. For example, industrial environments can contain noise from power supplies at 50/60 Hz and their harmonics. In some embodiments, both hardware and digital filtering are be applied to cancel out noise in the environment.

C. Advanced Spoilage Detection

Some sensor systems are equipped with hardware and/or software that allows the system to determine when conditions in the storage environment raise a substantial risk that spoilage will occur. In some embodiments, the sensor units 105 and/or sensor systems 100 allow for the detection of conditions conducive to grain spoilage. In such embodiments, data collected by one or more sensor units 105 are analyzed, for example, by an algorithm to detect conditions conducive to grain spoilage. In some embodiments, data collected by one or more sensor units 105 are transferred to the gateway 102, where the data is analyzed. In other embodiments, data are transferred to the cloud computing system 101, where the data are analyzed. The data analyzed to determine whether spoilage is likely to occur are data corresponding to any environmental variable discussed in the present disclosure, including temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, oxygen, phosphine, ethylene, sound, movement, pressure, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the environmental data analyzed to determine whether spoilage is likely to occur comprises temperature data, humidity data, carbon dioxide data, oxygen data, phosphine data, ethylene data, sound data, or movement data. In some embodiments, the environmental data analyzed to determine whether spoilage is likely to occur comprises temperature data, and humidity data. In some embodiments, the environmental data analyzed to determine whether spoilage is likely to occur comprises temperature data, and humidity data, and at least one of the following: carbon dioxide data, oxygen data, phosphine data, ethylene data, sound data, or movement data. In some embodiments, the data analysis occurs in the cloud computing system 101. In some embodiments, the data analysis occurs in the gateway 102. In some embodiments, the data analysis occurs in the sensor unit 105.

By way of example, reference will be made to the sensor system depicted in FIG. 6. In this example, sensor units 605A, 605B, and 605C are each located a different area within a grain storage environment. In this exemplary embodiment, a data set comprising temperature data is used to determine if natural convection currents can be generated in a bin. For example, the temperature values recorded by sensor unit 605A in one section of the grain mass are compared to, for example, the values recorded by sensor units 605B and 605C, each located in a different section of the grain mass. The difference in temperature and the distance between the regions is used to calculate the velocity of airflow within the storage environment due to natural convection. If the calculated velocity is above a threshold value, the system will register conditions are conducive to grain spoilage. In some embodiments, the data set comprises other environmental data, including, for example, humidity data, carbon dioxide data, oxygen data, phosphine data, ethylene data, sound data, and/or movement data. In some embodiments, the data set comprises humidity data.

In some embodiments, the threshold value is determined at least in part by analyzing a data set comprising at least part of the historical environmental data set. For example, with respect to the exemplary embodiment discussed above, in some embodiments, the algorithm will use environmental data (e.g., humidity data, carbon dioxide data, oxygen data, etc.) to determine the threshold value that the calculated velocity will be compared to. For example, if the temperature data and the humidity data shows that conditions in the storage environment are particularly well-suited for mold growth, then the threshold value might be lower than it would be if the same data showed conditions were not conducive to mold growth. In this way, the algorithm can conduct multi-variant analysis to determine whether or not the storage environment is conducive to spoilage. This method is described in general terms in FIG. 10.

In some embodiments, the method described in FIG. 10 is performed. As depicted in FIG. 10, the method comprises the following steps:

-   -   receiving a detected environmental data set from the gateway;     -   applying the trained algorithm to a prediction data set         comprising a historical environmental data set thereby         generating a predicted environmental data set;     -   comparing the predicted environmental data set to the detected         environmental data set, thereby generating a differential value         set;     -   analyzing the differential value set using a set of conditions;         and     -   if the differential value set satisfies the set of conditions,         automatically initiating a downstream process.

In the embodiment in FIG. 10, current environmental data corresponding to environmental variables inside a grain storage environment are received (e.g., detected temperature data, humidity data, and carbon dioxide data). An algorithm is applied to a prediction data set, which in some embodiments comprises historical environmental data from within the storage environment (e.g., previously detected temperature data, humidity data, and carbon dioxide data stored, for example, on the cloud computing system). In some embodiments, application of the algorithm to the prediction data set creates predicted environmental data (e.g., predicted temperature data, predicted humidity data, and predicted carbon dioxide data). These predicted environmental data are compared to the detected environmental data thereby generating a differential value set (e.g., having differential values for each environmental variable measured). This differential value set is analyzed using a set of conditions (e.g., comparison of each differential value to a threshold value) to determine whether the detected data are significantly different from the predicted data. In some embodiments, if the set of conditions is satisfied, a downstream process is initiated.

Although in the preceding example, temperature and humidity data were used to describe the process, any combination of environmental data described in the present disclosure can be utilized. For example, in some embodiments, the detected environmental data set and the historical environmental data set each comprise at least one of the following: temperature data, humidity data, oxygen data, carbon dioxide data, phosphine level data, and ethylene data. In some embodiments, the historical environmental data set comprises environmental data previously generated by the sensor corresponding to the one or more environmental variables.

In some embodiments, the advanced spoilage detection utilizes a rule based algorithm. In some embodiments, the advanced spoilage conditions are determined by the comparison of actual and predicted values. In some embodiments, the advanced spoilage detection utilizes pattern recognition.

In some embodiments, the system will produce an output in response to the determination that the storage environment is conducive to spoilage. In some embodiments, a notification and/or alarm is generated. In some embodiments, the notification and/or alarm is generated by cloud computing system 101. In some embodiments, the notification and/or alarm is displayed to the user when the user accesses cloud computing system 101 via a user interface (such as mobile phone 103 and/or computer 104). In some embodiments, a notification and/or alarm is sent directly to the user (e.g., to the user's computer 104 and/or mobile phone 103). In some embodiments, the user receives the notification and/or alarm over email, text message, and/or phone call. In some embodiments, the alarm and/or notification comprises a probability that a spoilage event (e.g., mold growth, insect colony growth, etc.) will occur over a defined time period (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 14 etc. days).

In some embodiments, the system will automatically initiate a downstream process in response to the determination that the storage environment is conducive to spoilage. In some embodiments, the automatic initiation of the downstream process will be performed by cloud computing system 101. In some embodiments, the automatic initiation of the downstream process will be performed by gateway 102. In some embodiments, the automated downstream process comprises generation of alarms and/or notifications as described throughout this application. In some embodiments, the automated downstream process comprises alterations in the storage environment, as discussed in other portions of this application. In some embodiments, the alterations in the storage environment are achieved by the action of an actuator that engages a mechanical process (e.g., turning on a fan, opening vents, initiating fumigation, stirring the grain, etc.).

D. Anomaly Detection

In some embodiments, the sensor units 105 and/or sensor systems 100 allow for the detection of anomalies in the grain storage environment. In such embodiments, data collected by one or more sensor units 105 are analyzed by an algorithm to detect anomalous events. In some embodiments, data collected by one or more sensor units 105 are transferred to the gateway 102, where the data are analyzed. In other embodiments, data are transferred to the cloud computing system 101, where the data are analyzed. The data analyzed to determine the presence of an anomaly comprise data corresponding to any environmental variable discussed in the present disclosure, including temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, oxygen, phosphine, ethylene, sound, movement, pressure and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the data analysis occurs in the cloud computing system 101. In some embodiments, the data analysis occurs in the gateway 102. In some embodiments, the data analysis occurs in the sensor unit 105.

In some embodiments, previous data collected from one or more sensors 105 is stored on the cloud computing system 101 or the gateway 102. These previous data comprise a historical data set. In some embodiments, an algorithm is applied to this historical data set to generate one or more predicted data values. In such embodiments, a current data set is received by the cloud computing system 101 or gateway 102 and the current data set is compared to the predicted data values. If the differential between the predicted data values and the current data is higher than a predetermined threshold value, then the algorithm will register an anomalous event and/or a probability that an anomalous event is occurring.

In some embodiments, each set of data collected by the sensor units 105 at different time points (e.g., once each day) is received by the cloud computing system 101 and/or gateway 102. Each data set is analyzed by an algorithm that applies a predetermined set of rules and/or conditions. If the rules and/or conditions are satisfied for a predetermined number of data sets, then the algorithm will register an anomalous event and/or a probability that an anomalous event is occurring.

For example, in one embodiment, a data set comprising temperature data is used to determine the presence of a hot spot using a set of rules depicted schematically in FIG. 11. In some embodiments, temperature data are collected from one or more sensor units 105, for example, once every day, and is transferred to gateway 102 and uploaded to the cloud computing system 101. Each set of temperature data are received by the cloud computing system 101. Each set of temperature data is then analyzed by an algorithm depicted in FIG. 11. On the first day, the temperature data (T1) is compared to a threshold value (X1). If the temperature is higher than the threshold value, then the algorithm will register this condition as satisfied. This process is repeated for data at several time points. In this example, each day the temperature data (Tn) from that data is compared to the corresponding threshold value for that day (Xn). If the condition is met (i.e., temperature recorded is higher than threshold) for a sufficient number of days, the system will register the formation of a hot spot. In some embodiments, the condition must be satisfied for a sufficient number (e.g., 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc.) of consecutive days for the system to register a hot spot. In some embodiments, the condition must be satisfied for at least 6 consecutive days for the system to register a hot spot.

Although the preceding exemplary embodiment discusses the use of temperature data, any combination of environmental variables can be analyzed to determine the presence of anomalous events. For example, in another exemplary embodiment, the system utilizes a data set that comprises temperature, oxygen, and carbon dioxide data to detect the presence of an emerging pest colony. The system can monitor data over time (e.g, a historical data set comprising temperature, oxygen, and carbon dioxide data from prior days, weeks, and/or months). If the algorithm detects, using any number of methods described herein, that there is an anomalous increase in temperature, combined with a statistically significant decrease in oxygen and a statistically significant increase in carbon dioxide, the system will register the development of a pest colony. In some embodiments, a decibel meter can be used to detect sound generated by the growing pest colony, and the sound data collected can also be factored into the analysis. Many different combinations of data are envisioned that can detect several anomalous events that are likely to have a deleterious effect on the quality of the grain in storage.

In some embodiments, the system provides the user with one or more outputs following analysis of the environmental data by the anomaly detection algorithm. In some embodiments, the output comprises one or more of the following: visual representations of historical, current, and predicted data, such as graphs and/or trendlines; probabilistic models that depict the probability that an anomalous event is occurring and/or will occur; confidence intervals that inform the user as to the strength of predictive insights; and/or warnings, alerts and/or notifications.

In some embodiments, an alarm and/or notification is generated when the system registers an anomalous event (e.g., hot spot, pest infestations, mold growth, etc.). In some embodiments, the alarm and/or notification is generated in the gateway 102 or generated in the cloud computing system 101 and sent to gateway 102. In some embodiments, the alarm and/or notification is generated in the cloud computing system 101, where it can be accessed via a user interface, such as, for example, a mobile phone or computer. In some embodiments, the alarm and/or notification is sent to the user interface (e.g., via text message or email notification). In some embodiments, the user interface utilizes a native application (e.g., on the mobile phone and/or computer). In some embodiments, the user utilizes a web-based application that is accessed via the user interface.

In some embodiments, the alarm and/or notification includes or is delivered with suggested instructions for how to best maintain the quality of the grain in storage. For example, in some embodiments, if the system detects a hot spot, then suggested instructions include instructions for mixing the grain and/or aerating the storage environment. In other embodiments, if the system detects a pest infestation, then the suggested instructions include instructions as to the duration and amount of pesticide to be administered to the grain. Many iterations on this system are possible.

In some embodiments, the system provides the user with a probability that an anomalous event is occurring or will occur in the future. In some embodiments, this probability is sent to gateway 102. In some embodiments, this information is maintained in the cloud computing system 101, which can be accessed via a user interface, such as for example, a mobile phone or personal computer. In some embodiments, this information is sent to the user interface (e.g., via text message or email notification).

In some embodiments, this probability is determined using a rule based algorithm. In some embodiments, the probability is determined by the comparison of actual and predicted values. For example, a spike in temperature of an actual value over a predicted daily spike in temperature can be used in the determination of an anomalous event. In some embodiments, the predictive models utilize moving averages. In some embodiments, the predictive models utilize exponential smoothing and/or double exponential smoothing. In some embodiments, the anomaly prediction utilizes pattern recognition. In some embodiments, the algorithm identifies a previous trend in the environmental data based on a historical environmental data set. The algorithm also identifies a current trend based on current and recent environmental data. The algorithm then compares the two data sets and provides a probability that the current trend is the product of an anomalous event.

The probability of an anomalous event can be calculated using any number of methods known in the art and disclosed herein. For example, in one embodiment, the probability of developing a hotspot is calculated by analyzing a data set comprising temperature data over time. In an exemplary situation, the system registers a modest increase in temperature relative to the historical average (e.g. 0.5° C. higher than average) on day 1. The algorithm uses this information to generate a probability (e.g., 12%) that a hot spot is developing. On day 2, the system registers a temperature that is again higher than the historical average (e.g. 1.2° C. higher than average). The algorithm then analyzes both the data from day 1 and day 2, to generate an updated probability (e.g., 31%) that a hot spot is developing. If, for example, the system registers a temperature on day 3 that is less than day 2, but higher than day 1 (e.g. 0.9° C. higher than average), the algorithm will use the data values from all three days to update the probability (e.g., 34%) that a hot spot is developing. Thus, in some embodiments, the system will analyze the current data in the context of historical and recent data to determine the probability that an anomalous event is occurring. In some embodiments, other data will be included (e.g., weather data, such as temperature data, humidity data, and pressure data from a local weather service) to further refine the probabilities generated by the algorithm.

In some embodiments, the algorithms used to detect anomalous events (i.e., anomaly detection algorithms) utilize increasing sensitivity logic. In some embodiments, the sensitivity of the algorithm increases when the environmental conditions indicate an increased probability that an anomalous event will develop. For example, the temperature of the environment increases due to the presence of mold. This temperature increase is slow at first and then increases rapidly in an exponential way. Thus, in some embodiments, the algorithm has a built-in logic that increases the sensitivity of its analysis (e.g., by reducing the required threshold temperature values) upon detection of a small but statistically significant temperature increase. Similar sensitivity logic can be utilized for the detection of other anomalous event (e.g., increased sensitivity for determining presence of pest colony based upon localized decreases in oxygen levels and increases in carbon dioxide levels). Many embodiments are within the scope of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, an anomaly detection algorithm comprises artificial intelligence models. In some embodiments, the anomaly detection algorithms are trained using machine learning. In some embodiments, the anomaly detection algorithms are trained using linear one class support vector machines (“SVM with”) deep learning (also referred to as “deep learning using linear SVM”). In some embodiments, the anomaly detection algorithms are trained using deep learning. In some embodiments, the anomaly detection algorithms are trained with deep Q-learning. In some embodiments, the algorithms are trained using deep policy gradient. In some embodiments, the anomaly detection algorithms are trained using neural networks.

In some embodiments, the anomaly detection algorithm is trained using deep learning. In some embodiments, the anomaly detection algorithm is trained using Restricted Boltzmann Machines (RBMs). In some embodiments, the anomaly detection algorithm is trained using Deep Belief Networks (DBNs). DBNs are built by stacking several RBMs and allow learning the distribution of the training data in an unsupervised manner. Thus, systems using anomaly detection algorithms trained in this manner can detect samples that do not come from the same distribution (thereby detecting anomalous events).

Training of the algorithm using these machine learning systems allows the anomaly detection algorithm to recognize patterns and regularities in the data collected by the sensor systems. Properly trained algorithms analyze environmental data sets to determine if the data represent standard/normal conditions within the grain storage environment, or if the data represent one or more anomalous conditions within the grain storage environment. In some embodiments, the anomaly detection algorithms can be trained to be probabilistic in nature and use statistical inference to find the best label for a given data set. In some embodiments, the output of an anomaly detection algorithm is the probability that the analyzed data represents an anomalous event (in contrast to a normal fluctuation of environment in absence of the anomaly).

E. Automation of Downstream Processes

In some embodiments, downstream processes are automatically initiated based on the results from data analysis conducted by the algorithms. In some embodiments, the downstream processes are simply the delivery of an alarm and/or notification to the user, as described above. However, in some embodiments, the automatically initiated downstream process comprises alterations of the environment of the grain in storage (e.g., increase or decrease in aeration, change in temperature, change in fumigation pattern and/or intensity, etc.).

For example, in some embodiments, the sensor system detects the presence of a hot spot using a data set that comprises temperature data. Upon registration of a hotspot by the system, a signal is sent, for example, from cloud computing system 101 to gateway 102 and from the gateway 102 to an actuator. The actuator then initiates a process that leads to changes in the storage environment that are likely to mitigate the damage caused by the hot spot and/or decrease the probability of having a hot spot develop. For example, in some embodiments, the actuator engages fans and/or other aeration systems to increase air flow in the grain storage environment. In some embodiments, the actuator engages a system that stirs and/or mixes the grain in storage.

In some exemplary embodiments, the sensor system is enabled with the ability to detect the presence of emerging pest colonies (using, for example, variations in temperature, carbon dioxide, and oxygen levels). In some such embodiments, upon the registration of an emerging pest colony event, a downstream process is initiated that results in increased fumigation of the grain in storage. In some embodiments, the system automatically selects an amount of fumigant, duration of fumigation, and/or a time schedule for fumigation based on the detection of an emerging pest colony event. These selected properties are then sent to an actuator that initiates a process that results in automated fumigation of the grain according to the automatically selected parameters.

Automation of downstream processes is not only possible when an anomalous event (e.g., pest infection) is formally registered by the system, but such processes can be automated in many different ways. For example, in some embodiments, downstream processes can be automated by the user (e.g., through scheduled events or direct instruction). In some embodiments, processes can be automated in response to an increased probability that such an event is occurring or will occur in the future. In such embodiments, the user can set a threshold probability beyond which, a downstream process will be automatically initiated. For example, in one embodiment, a system is configured to generate a probability that a hot spot is developing. If, for example, the probability of generating a hot spot exceeds 60%, the system is configured to send a signal to an actuator that initiates a process to mitigate the possibility of developing a hot spot (e.g., periodically stirring the grain or increasing aeration for a set period of time each day). In some embodiments, this process will be continued in a periodic manner until the system calculates a probability that is below a second threshold (e.g., 20% probability of a hot spot). In some embodiments, upon reaching this point, the system will revert back to the baseline settings. In other embodiments, upon reaching this reduced probability of developing a hot spot, the system will reduce the intensity of the downstream process but will not stop the process entirely. Many permutations on this responsive automation are possible using the sensor system disclosed herein.

F. Sensor Delete Logic

In systems with a plurality of sensors and/or sensor units, it is often advantageous to know whether each of the plurality of sensors and/or sensor units is accurately measuring the environment within the bulk grain. For example, levels of temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide and oxygen might be different at the top of a half-full grain silo than at the bottom of the grain pile within the silo. Furthermore, when determining the quality of the grain, the potential for spoilage, and/or the development of anomalous events, the measurements taken from within the grain pile likely will have greater relevance than the measurements taken outside of the grain pile. In some embodiments, the systems disclosed herein can detect which sensors and/or sensor units are outside of the bulk grain.

In some embodiments, the system will factor this information (i.e., which sensors and/or sensor units are outside of the bulk grain) into calculations when determining the features of the grain storage environment. For example, in one embodiment, environmental data collected by sensors and/or sensor units determined to be outside of the bulk grain will not be included in the environmental data set used by the algorithms to determine current and/or predicted environmental conditions of the storage environment, grain quality, presence or absence of anomalous events, or other determinations and/or predictive analysis disclosed herein. In some embodiments, environmental data collected by sensors and/or sensor units determined to be outside of the bulk grain will be included in the environmental data set, but its impact on calculations will be modified by applying, for example, a coefficient to the environmental data generated by the sensor and/or sensor unit located outside of the bulk grain.

In some embodiments, previous data collected from the sensors and/or sensor units in a grain storage environment are stored on the cloud computing system 101, gateway 102, and/or sensor unit 105. In some embodiments, a historical environmental data set is stored on cloud computing system 101, gateway 102, and/or sensor unit 105. In some embodiments, the historical environmental data set comprises environmental data previously collected by one or more sensors and/or sensor units. In some embodiments, an algorithm is applied to the historical environmental data set to generate one or more predicted data values. In some embodiments, a current environmental data set is received by the cloud computing system 101, gateway 102 and/or sensor unit 105. In some embodiments, the current environmental data set comprises data collected from the sensors and/or sensor units in the grain storage environment. In some embodiments, the current data are compared to the predicted data values. In some embodiments, the algorithm determines if there is a significant difference (e.g., greater than a threshold value) between the predicted data values for a sensor and/or sensor unit and the current data collected by the sensor and/or sensor unit. In some embodiments, if there is a significant difference (e.g., greater than a threshold value) between the predicted data values for a sensor and/or sensor unit and the current data collected by the sensor unit, then the algorithm will register that a sensor is outside of grain. In some embodiments, if there is a significant difference (e.g., greater than a threshold value) between the predicted data values for a sensor and/or sensor unit, and the current data collected by the sensor unit, then the algorithm will register a probability that a sensor is outside of grain.

In some embodiments, the algorithm will make a series of comparisons (i.e., comparing predicted environmental data to current environmental data) at a plurality of different time points. In some embodiments, the plurality of different time points will be evenly spaced in time (e.g., once every day, twice every day, every several hours, etc.). In other embodiments, the plurality of different time point is not necessarily evenly spaced in time. In some embodiments, the algorithm will not make a determination that a sensor and/or sensor unit is outside of the bulk grain until the difference between the predicted environmental data set and the current environmental data set is greater than a threshold value for a defined number of consecutive time points (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8. 10, etc. consecutive measurements).

In some embodiments, the determination of whether a particular sensor and/or sensor unit is outside of the bulk grain will be made by comparing a first current environmental data set, comprising data collected by a first sensor and/or sensor unit, to a second current environmental data set, comprising data collected by at least one other sensor and/or sensor unit. In some embodiments, the first environmental data set, comprising data collected by a first sensor and/or sensor unit, is compared to a second current environmental set, comprising data collected by a second sensor and/or sensor unit. In some embodiments, the first environmental data set, comprising data collected by a first sensor and/or sensor unit, is compared to a second current environmental set, comprising data collected by two or more other sensor sand/or sensor units (e.g., a second, third, fourth and/or fifth sensor and/or sensor unit). In some embodiments, the difference between the first environmental data set and the second environmental data set will be compared to a threshold value and or threshold value(s). In some embodiments, if the differences between the first environmental data set are greater than the threshold value and/or values, the system will register this difference as significant. In some embodiments, this comparison will be made at a plurality of time points. In some embodiments, the algorithm will not make a determination that a sensor and/or sensor unit is outside of the bulk grain until the difference between the first environmental data set and the second environmental data set is greater than a threshold value (i.e., significant) for a defined number of consecutive time points (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8. 10, etc. consecutive measurements).

In some embodiments, the determination of whether a sensor and/or sensor unit is outside of the bulk grain is made by cloud computing system 101. In some embodiments, the determination of whether a sensor and/or sensor unit is outside of the bulk grain is made by gateway 102. In some embodiment, the determination of whether a sensor and/or sensor unit is outside of the bulk grain is made by sensor unit 105 (including, for example, standalone sensor units and/or WJB units coupled to local sensors).

For purposes of illustration only, application of the sensor delete logic system is described with respect to a WJB connected to a plurality of sensors. In this example, the WJB is interfaced with a plurality of thermocouple cables installed in a grain storage structure. These cables consist of individual temperature sensors connected together. Data collected by the plurality of sensors are transferred to the WJB. As discussed in throughout the present disclosure, data collected by the WJB can then be communicated to one or more gateways and/or a cloud computing system. The data are analyzed by an algorithm to determine whether each individual sensor from the plurality of sensors is embedded in grain or is exposed to free air. In some embodiments, the data analysis occurs in the cloud computing system. In some embodiments, the data analysis occurs in the gateway. In some embodiments, the data analysis occurs in the WJB (e.g., using local memory and local processor).

In one exemplary embodiment, the change in temperature values registered by each sensor on a cable is compared to both the average change of all other sensors as well as the change in the ambient temperature (collected, for example by another sensor that is either connected to the WJB or communicates wirelessly with the WJB). If the change in temperature of a sensor is less than a specified fraction of the change of ambient temperature and greater than a specified fraction of the change of the average grain temperature, then the sensor is registered as being outside of the grain. As discussed above, when the system registers a sensor as being outside of the grain, the data from this system will be analyzed differently than the data collected by sensors determined to be inside the grain. In some embodiments, the data collected from the sensor(s) outside the grain will not be added to the current and/or historical environmental data sets, which are used for downstream analysis. In some embodiments, the data collected from the sensor(s) outside the grain will be modified (e.g., modified by a coefficient) before being added to the current and/or historical environmental data sets, which are used for downstream analysis.

In another exemplary embodiment, a plurality of sensor units is placed within different areas of a grain storage environment. As the quantity of the bulk grain is diminished, one sensor unit is released from the bulk grain and exposed to free air. The exposed sensor unit continues to transmit data (e.g., temperature, humidity, pressure, oxygen, carbon dioxide, etc.), for example, to a cloud computing system. An algorithm on the cloud computing system analyzes the current data set collected by the exposed sensor unit and compares it to a historical data obtained by the exposed sensor. By analyzing the differences between the current data set and the historical data set, the algorithm can determine that the sensor unit is no longer embedded in the bulk grain, but is now freely exposed. In some embodiments, the comparison of current data to historical data will be accompanied by the comparison of current data from the exposed sensor units to current and/or historical data collected by other sensor units.

Although the preceding exemplary embodiment discusses primarily the use of temperature data, any combination of environmental variables can be analyzed to determine that a sensor is outside of grain.

VI. Advanced Grain Management Systems with Data Science

In some embodiments, the methods and systems disclosed herein utilize data science and machine learning algorithms to detect anomalies in the stored grain that are otherwise undetectable using conventional systems.

A. Exemplary Configurations of Grain Management Systems

In some embodiments, such as the embodiment depicted in FIG. 12A, the grain management system 1200 include a first sensor 1205A and a second sensor 1205B, with the first sensor 1205A and the second sensor 1205B spaced apart at a distance. In this example, each sensor unit 1205 is a sensor spear, for example sensor spear 900, described above, with a portion of the sensor units 1205 embedded in the grain pile 1202. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 12A, the sensor units 1205 communicate directly with the cloud computing system 1201 via a first network. The grain 1202 in FIG. 12A is present in a grain pile, having an air circulation system that comprises air intake ports 1206 surrounding the circumference of the grain pile and one or more exhaust system 1207. The exhaust system 1207 blows air out of the grain pile thereby causing air to flow in through the air intake ports 1206 and to circulate through the grain pile. The directionality of airflow 1203 through the grain pile is depicted by the black arrows. In FIG. 12A, the first sensor unit 1205A is downstream from the second sensor unit 1205B because of the directionality of the airflow 1203.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 12A, each sensor unit 1205 detects an environmental variable from the grain storage environment and thereby generates environmental data. The data are collected over time and the resulting data sets are communicated to the cloud computing system 1201 for analysis. First sensor unit 1205A generates a first environmental data set and communicates it to cloud computing system 1201, and second sensor unit 1205B generates a second environmental data set and communicates it to cloud computing system 1201. Cloud computing system 1201 analyzes the two environmental data sets by comparing the first environmental data set to the second environmental data set, thereby monitoring the grain 1202 and determining if any anomalous conditions are present in the grain 1202. In some embodiments, upon detection of an anomalous condition, cloud computing system 1200, generates an output, such as an alert or alarm to notify the user of the presence of the anomaly. In some embodiments, the output generated by cloud computing system 1201 leads to an adjustment in the grain storage environment by, for example, increasing or decreasing airflow though the grain storage environment, heating or cooling the grain storage environment, applying pesticide to the grain, etc.

For the purposes of simplified explanation, the following embodiments will be discussed in terms of temperature monitoring and hotspot detection, but the following is also applicable to the measurement of any environmental variable or combination of variable discussed herein and anomalous conditions associated with such variables. For example, a combination of humidity and temperature can be used to detect enhanced risk of grain spoilage, including pests, grain caking, and/or germination, etc.

FIG. 12B demonstrates data derived from a test run using an embodiment of the system exemplified by FIG. 12A. The sensor units 1205A and 1205B record temperature (e.g., air temperature) from the grain pile 1202 over time, and relays the environmental data (in this case, temperature data) to cloud computing system 1201. The graph in FIG. 12B depicts the temperature detected by the two sensors (Y axis) over time (X axis). The data from the first sensor unit 1205A (i.e., the first environmental data set) is depicted by the light grey line, and the data from the second sensor unit 1205B (i.e., the second environmental data set) is depicted by the dark grey line. The cloud computing system 1201 compares the first environmental data set to the second environmental data set, and if the cloud computing system 1201 determines that the first environmental data set deviates from the second environmental data set, the system registers this deviation as a detected anomaly. The point in which the cloud computing system 1201 detects an anomaly forming in the grain 1202 is indicated in the graph in FIG. 12B (see FIG. 12B, near Mar. 29, 2020). The grain management system 1200 detects a divergence in the data pattern of first sensor unit 1205A and second sensor unit 1205B indicated the presence of an anomaly between the two sensors (in this particular case, a hotspot developing in the grain). At the time the anomaly detected the developing hotpot, the system generated an output (i.e., an alert), and issued that alert to a user interface, notifying the user that the hotspot was developing.

The data in FIG. 12B show that after the anomaly was first detected by the grain management system 1200, the temperature detected by the first sensor 1205A continued to diverge from the temperature detected by sensor unit 1205B, indicating that the developing hotspot continued to grow and became an established hotspot. The data in FIG. 12B show that the grain management system 1200 confirmed the presence of an established hotspot by detecting a significant and persistent deviation between the elevated temperature detected by first sensor system unit 1205A and the ambient temperature detected by the second sensor unit 1205B (see FIG. 12B, between March 29 and April 8). Finally, toward the end of the experiment, when the temperature detected by the first sensor unit 1205A was roughly 40 degrees higher than the temperature recorded by the second sensor unit 1205B, extra aeration tubes were added to the grain pile 1202, thereby facilitating cooling of the grain at the position of the hotpot. Consequently, the temperature detected by the first sensor unit 1205A began to rapidly decrease, reducing the difference between the temperatures detected by the first sensor unit 1205A and the second sensor unit 1205B. The data depicted in FIG. 12B therefore confirms the ability of grain management system 1200 to detect anomalous conditions in the grain 1202.

Importantly, the data depicted in FIG. 12B demonstrate that the grain management system 1200 can detect the presence of an anomalous condition before that condition could be detected with a conventional system. In conventional systems, each sensor records the temperature at a particular point in the grain, and when the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, the anomaly is detected. In contrast, in some embodiments of the grain management 1200, the system 1200 compiles temperature data from two or more sensors, records the data over time thereby developing a temperature profile for each sensor, and compares the data sets derived from the two or more sensors to each other. In this manner, the grain management system 1200 recognizes a relationship between temperatures recorded by the two or more sensors during normal storage conditions, such that deviations from expected behavior in the system can be detected. Thus, in contrast to other anomaly detection methods disclosed herein, in grain management system 1200, an anomaly is registered when one of the sensors deviates from the temperature expected by the system, not simply when the temperature detected by one of the sensors exceeds a predetermined threshold. For example, in some embodiments, grain management system 1200 tracks the temperature differential between the two sensors that are in the same airflow path. If both sensors show increasing temperature then heat is coming from before the two sensors. However, if there is temperature differential between the two sensors then heat is being generated somewhere between the two sensors. Thus, grain management system can, in some embodiments, determine not only the presence of, but also the location of anomalous conditions, including hot spots. Furthermore, in this manner, some embodiments of the present disclosure can detect not only established hotspots, but also developing hotspots (i.e., local areas of elevated temperature in the grain that, if left untreated, are likely to lead to formation of an established hotspot). Because of the early detection allowed by grain storage system 1200, interventions can be made earlier than would be possible using conventional systems, thereby managing the grain in a more effective manner and reducing spoilage. In contrast, a conventional system would not have detected the hotspot until it had grown significantly larger, causing a substantially greater degree of spoilage.

Another important feature of some embodiments of the present disclosure if the system's ability to detect anomalies forming in the grain in the area between sensor units, such that the system can detect anomalies forming in the grain that would otherwise be undetectable by conventional systems. For example, FIG. 12C depicts a depicts another embodiment of the present disclosure, grain management system 1210, comprising four different sensor units 1225 embedded in grain 1212, with air intake 1216 and exhaust system 1217 directed airflow 1213 throughout the grain storage environment. As depicted in FIG. 12C, grain management system 1210 has the capacity to detect anomalies in the grain 1212 that develop in between the sensor units 1215. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, airflow 1213 moves across the grain 1202 such that the first sensor unit 1215A is downstream from second sensor unit 1215B, as well as third and fourth sensor units 1225C and 1125D, respectively. In FIG. 12C, a first hotspot 1230A is developing between the first sensor unit 1215A and second sensor unit 1215B. Because of the directionality of airflow 1213, first sensor unit 1215A detects the temperature of air after it has passed through hotspot 1230A, while the other sensor units 1225B-D measure the temperature of the air before it has passed through hotspot 1230A.

Also depicted in FIG. 12C are excerpts of the temperature profiles 1225 generated by each sensor unit 1215. First temperature profile 1225A corresponds to the temperature data collected by first sensor unit 1215A, second temperature profile 1225B corresponds to the temperature data collected by second sensor unit 1215B, and third and fourth temperature profiles 1225C and 1225D correspond to the temperature data collected by the third and fourth sensor units 1215C and 1215D, respectively. As seen in FIG. 12C, the three sensor units upstream from the hotspot 1230A (i.e., sensor units 1225B-D), each record similar temperature profiles 1225B-D. In contrast, the first temperature profile 1225A generated by first sensor unit 1215A is markedly different, with higher temperatures recorded and a gradual increase in temperature over time (see temperature profile 1225A). These temperature profiles 1225A-D are then analyzed by cloud computing system 1211, and the grain management system 1210 thereby detects the presence of first hotspot 1230A. Furthermore, by comparing the temperature profiles 1225B-D to temperature profile 1225A, grain management system 1210 can deduce the location of first hotspot 1310A as being between first sensor unit 1215A and second sensor unit 1215B. Thus, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, such as those depicted in FIG. 12A and FIG. 12C, the grain management system can determine the location of the anomaly in the grain, as well as detecting its presence.

Importantly, such embodiments can determine the presence and location of an anomalous condition in the grain even when the anomalous condition in the grain is between two sensor units and would be undetectable without comparing the data from two or more sensor units. The grain management system's ability to detect anomalies between two sensor units includes anomalies that are both directly between the two sensor units (i.e., along a straight line defined by the position of the two sensor units), as well as those that are not directly between the two sensor units (e.g., located offset (e.g., left, right, above, below or some combination thereof) from a straight line defined by the position of the two sensor units). As discussed above, it is a unique feature of the grain management systems disclosed herein that such systems can detect and locate anomalous conditions in the grain even when they are between two of the sensor units, and undetectable by analyzing the data from only one sensor unit. This feature is not present in any conventional prior art systems.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, one embodiment of which is shown in FIG. 12C, the grain management system includes a fifth sensor unit 1215E at the exhaust system 1217, which can detect the temperature profile of the air leaving the grain pile 1212 via exhaust system 1217. By comparing the fifth temperature profile 1225E derived from the fifth sensor unit 1215E to the other temperature profile 1225A-D, the system 1210 can determine the presence of one or more hotspots in the grain pile. For example, by analyzing the temperature profile 1225E of the air leaving the grain pile 1212, grain management system 1210 can detect the presence of both the first hotspot 1230A, as well as a second hotspot 1230B, which otherwise would be undetectable. Many permutations of such grain management systems are possible due to the module design of the grain management systems disclosed herein. Moreover, while the foregoing examples were focused on the use of temperature monitoring, any the detection of any environmental variable or combination thereof disclosed herein can be used with these grain management systems.

The grain management systems of the present disclosure are not limited to use with grain piles, as depicted in FIGS. 12A-C. For example, such systems can also be deployed in storage bins, as depicted in FIG. 13. Grain management system 1300 is configured to monitor grain 1302 stored in grain storage bin 1310. Grain storage bin 1310 includes perforated flooring 1330, air intake fan 1306, an exhaust vents 1307, which facilitates air flow 1303 through the grain storage environment. The grain management system 1300 comprises a first sensor unit 1305A, located on the top of the grain pile; a second sensor unit 1305B, mounted to the wall of the grain silo 1310 and positioned in the middle of the grain pile; and a third sensor unit 1305C, located in the pleural space 1308 below perforated floor 1330. Each sensor unit 1305A-C communicates with cloud computing system 1301.

Grain management system 1300 configured as depicted in FIG. 13 can detect and locate anomalies in the grain 1302 in the same manner as the grain management systems exemplified in FIGS. 12A-C, discussed above. In addition, grain management system 1300 is also useful for monitoring grain during the drying process by comparing the humidity data recorded by each of the sensor units 1305A-C. For example, if the humidity in the air detected by first sensor unit 1305A is greater than the humidity detected by, for example, third sensor unit 1305C, then the system 1300 will register that the grain is drying, because more humidity is leaving the grain storage environment then entering it. In contrast, if the humidity in the air detected by the first sensor unit 1305A is less than the humidity in the detected by the third sensor unit 1305C, then the system 1300 will register that the grain is becoming more damp. In some embodiments, humidity data is used to estimate moisture content of the stored grain.

The grain management systems disclosed herein, such as, for example, grain management system 1200 and 1300 can also analyze data derived from combinations of multiple environmental variables. For example, in some embodiments, each sensor unit detects humidity and temperature, thereby generating an environmental data set that comprises humidity data and temperature data. The environmental data set from each sensor unit is then analyzed in the manner discussed above to detect anomalous conditions in the grain. In some embodiments, the environmental data set from each sensor unit is compared with each other to determine the presence and location of an anomalous condition in the grain. In some embodiments, the anomalous condition is spoilage of the grain. In some embodiments, the anomalous condition is an elevated probability of spoilage. For example, in some embodiments, the system will detect a local spike in temperature and/or humidity, and determine that an elevated probability of spoilage exists due to the unfavorable environmental conditions. In some embodiments, if the system detects an elevated probability of spoilage that exceeds a threshold, it generates an output, such as, for example, the outputs discussed above, including alerts, notifications, or outputs that result in a change in the grain storage environment.

B. Elevated Spoilage Risk Detection and Localization

In some embodiments, the anomalous condition detected by the grain management system comprises an elevated risk of grain spoilage. FIG. 14 shows an exemplary graph demonstrating one simple method of qualifying risk of spoilage in grain based on temperature and moisture content. The Y axis denotes the temperature of the grain in degrees Celsius from 0 to 40. The X axis denotes the moisture content of the grain from 10% to 25%. Four qualitative areas on the graph delineating relative risk of spoilage are denoted as follows: (1) best long-term storage conditions (white shading, low moisture content and low temperature); (2) mild spoilage risk/best short-term storage (light gray shading, either medium temperature and low moisture content, or medium moisture content and low temperature); (3) significant spoilage risk (medium gray shading, either high temperature and low moisture content, high moisture content and low temperature, or both medium temperature and moisture content); and (4) rapid spoilage risk (dark grey shading, either medium temperature and high moisture content, high temperature and medium moisture content, or high temperature and high moisture content). Although for ease of explanation, the following examples make use of the qualitative risk profiles delineated in FIG. 14, the present disclosure is not limited to any one paradigm or system for qualifying or quantifying risk of grain spoilage.

In some embodiments, the anomalous condition is an elevated spoilage risk relative to historical vales. For example, if the first environmental data set 1225A derived from first sensor unit 1215A included a recent spike in temperature and/or humidity values, that spike in temperature and/or humidity values would cause cloud computing system 1211 to change the spoilage risk for grain near the first sensor unit 1215A from, for example, good short term storage (light gray in FIG. 14) to significant spoilage risk (medium gray in FIG. 14). In some embodiments, the cloud computing system 1211, having detected an anomalous condition in the grain 1212, would generate an output.

In some embodiments, the anomalous condition is an elevated in spoilage risk for one environmental data set compared to one or more other environmental data sets. For example, when cloud computing system 1211 registers that the first environmental data set 1225A derived from first sensor unit 1215A leads to a higher risk of spoilage than the risk determined for second, third, an/or fourth sensor units 1215B-D based on their respective environmental data sets 1225B-D, cloud computing system generates an output, having detected an anomalous condition in the grain 1212. In some embodiments, cloud computing 1211 determines that the grain in the area around first sensor unit 1215A is in environment that, for example, poses a significant spoilage risk (medium gray in FIG. 14), while the grain near the other sensors 1215B-D is in an environment that poses minimal spoilage risk (light gray in FIG. 14), the system will generate an output. In some embodiment, that output will include information that the anomalous condition is located proximate to the first sensor unit 1215A.

In some of the preceding examples, the risk profile denoted in FIG. 14 is used for simplicity of explanation. However, the present disclosure is not limited to any one paradigm for qualifying or quantifying risk of grain spoilage. For example, in some embodiments, different thresholds for the qualitative determination of spoilage risk can be used. In some embodiments, spoilage risk is determined on a quantitative basis (e.g., 55% risk of significant spoilage over the next 2 weeks, 24% risk that grain has currently suffered significant spoilage, etc.). In some embodiments, the spoilage and/or spoilage risk is described in terms of reduction to grain quality score index (GSQI), described in detail below. In some embodiments, the spoilage and/or spoilage risk comprises likelihood of grain germination. In some embodiments, the spoilage and/or spoilage risk comprises likelihood of grain caking.

Furthermore, although FIG. 14 shows relative risk deduced from the analysis of two environmental variables (i.e., temperature and moisture content (derivable from humidity data)), in some embodiments, additional data is utilized in qualifying or quantifying spoilage risk. For example, in some embodiments, oxygen data and carbon dioxide data can be used to detect and/or confirm the presence and location of spoilage or elevated spoilage risk, including, for example, spoilage caused by pests (e.g., insects, vermin, etc.), grain caking, or germination, etc. In some embodiments, the system utilizes acoustic data to determine or confirm spoilage risk and/or the spoilage. In some embodiments, the system utilizes a combination of a plurality of (e.g., at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, etc.) of the following environmental variables to assess, detect and/or locate elevated spoilage risk: temperature, humidity, oxygen levels, carbon dioxide levels, phosphine levels, acoustic levels, and ethylene levels. Indeed, any environmental variable or combination of environmental variables discussed herein can be used to determine, locate, and or assess elevated spoilage risk and/or spoilage.

Moreover, grain management systems disclosed herein can also use historical environmental data collected from sensor units to assess, detect, and locate spoilage risk and/or spoilage in the grain. Historical environmental data includes, but is not limited to, historical profiles for each environmental variable detected by each sensor (e.g., temperature, humidity, oxygen levels, carbon dioxide levels, phosphine levels, acoustic levels, ethylene levels). Historical environmental data can also include information other than environmental variables detected by the sensor units. For example, In some embodiments, the system detects whether the dew point was crossed in the grain storage environment, how many times it has been crossed, the extent to which it has been crossed, and/or where in the grain storage environment these things occurred (e.g., bin walls, headspace, or in grain mass, etc.). The system then uses this information (alone or in combination with other environmental data discussed herein) to compute a likelihood of spoilage developed (i.e., spoilage risk). In some embodiments, the system records how the duration of time that each sensor unit detects environmental conditions corresponding to each of the four spoilage zones denoted in FIG. 14, and uses this information as part of the spoilage prediction process. In some embodiments, the system records how many times each of sensors detects environmental conditions that correspond to a transition between the various spoilage zones denoted in FIG. 14, and uses this information as part of the spoilage prediction process. In some embodiments, the system detects whether conditions in the grain storage environment have resulted in natural convection currents and/or moisture migration, and integrates this information into assessing spoilage risk. In some embodiments, the system identifies differences among the sensor units reporting the aforementioned variables and analyzes the differential data between the sensor units to detect and locate zones of elevated spoilage risk.

C. Outputs Generated by Grain Management Systems

In some embodiments, the cloud computing system such as cloud computing systems 101, 601, 1201 or 1301 etc. will generate an output. In some embodiments, the cloud computing system will generate an output in response to the detection of an anomalous condition in the grain. In some embodiments, the output comprises a notification or an alert that is delivered to the user via a user interface. In some embodiments, the output comprises automated adjustments to the grain storage environment. For example, in some embodiments, the cloud computing system generates and output that causes a change in temperature of the grain storage environment. In some embodiments, the output causes a change in humidity of the grain storage environment. In some embodiments, the output causes a change in temperature and humidity of the grain storage environment. In some embodiments, the output causes a change in at least of the following variables: temperature, humidity, oxygen levels, carbon dioxide levels, phosphine levels, and ethylene levels. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the output causes a change in any environmental variable discussed herein, or combination thereof. In some embodiments, the output generated by the cloud computing system results in the automation of downstream processes, including, for example, those specific downstream processes discussed herein.

For example, in some embodiments, the output generated by the cloud computing system can result in increased aeration of the grain in storage by, for example, increasing the power delivered to a fan or exhaust system, or automatically adjusting the orientation of vents in a grain enclosure (e.g., bin, silo, etc.). In such embodiments, a change in temperature and/or humidity will result from the increased aeration. In other embodiments, the grain is automatically turned, stirred, or otherwise redistributed, thereby changing the temperature of the grain. Any downstream automation and/or actuation discussed herein can be used in embodiments of these systems.

In some embodiments, the output generated by the cloud computing system comprises data visualization. For example, in some embodiment, the output comprises information pertaining to the risk of spoilage within the grain. Although the preceding passages pertaining to grain spoilage were described in the context of anomaly detection, in some embodiments, the cloud computing system generates an output that informs the user of the relative risk of spoilage in the grain even in the absence of a detected anomaly. In some embodiments, the system generates an output describing the spoilage risk in the grain independently of any anomaly detection. In some embodiments, the system utilizes the same or similar methodology described above to determine risk of spoilage, but does not require an anomaly to be detected to generate the output. In some embodiments, the output is updated periodically (e.g., every 1 min, 10 mins, 1 hour, 1 day, etc.) and/or continuously as new data is received from the sensor unit. In some embodiments, the output is generated in real time as new environmental data form the sensor units becomes available. In some embodiments, the sensor units collect data at a first data collection rate and a second data collection rate, and switch between the two rates as discussed above.

In some embodiments, the output includes a feature by which the end user can visualize features of and data associated with the grain in the storage environment. For example, in some embodiments, the user can visualize the risk of spoilage in the grain. For example, in some embodiments, the data detected by each individual sensor unit is analyzed and compared to determine which locations in the grain pile correspond to different levels of spoilage risk, using, for example, a qualitative risk grading system such as that depicted in FIG. 14. In some embodiments, the output comprises a display that allows the user to visualize a representation of stored grain (e.g., in two- or three-dimensional view) indicating the risk of spoilage at different locations throughout the grain. In some embodiments, the same system includes independent spoilage risk determination and/or display with the anomaly detection described above and throughout the present disclosure. In some embodiments, for example, the system continuously provides the user with a visual representation of the relative risk of spoilage in the grain, and also generates a second output upon detection of an anomaly as disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the user can visualize the environmental data mapped onto the grain in storage. For example, in some embodiments, the system will generate a thermal profile of the temperature throughout the grain based on environmental data received from the sensor units. A user will then be able to visualize the temperature profile and see a thermal map of the grain in storage. In some embodiments, similar visual profiles are developed for at least one of the following: temperature data, humidity data, carbon dioxide data, phosphene data, ethylene data, and acoustic data. In various embodiments, any combination of data described herein can be visualized in such a manner. In some embodiment, the visualization output will include features deduced from analysis of the environmental data sets. For example, in some embodiments, the visualization output depicts thermal currents in the grain, based on analysis of data from the sensors. In various embodiments, such visualizations and/or profiles are displayed in two-dimensional representations. In some embodiments, such visualizations and/or profiles are displayed in three-dimensional representations.

In some embodiments, the output is a visual representation of the grain storage area and/or one or more detected anomalies. For example, FIG. 15 depicts one exemplary output of a three-dimensional representation of a grain storage area 1502 with a representation of anomalies in the grain 1501A-C detected by the sensor system. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 15, the representation of the grain storage area 1052 comprises a plurality of representations of sensor units 1505, corresponding to the location and/or spatial orientation of the plurality of sensor units in system generating the output. In FIG. 15, three different anomalies were detected by the exemplary sensor system; therefore, the output 1500 comprises three representations of anomalies in the grain 1501A-C. The location of each representation of the anomalies in the grain 1501A-C in the representation of the grain storage area 1502 corresponds to the locations of the anomalies detected by the system, as determined by analysis of the environmental data from the sensor units. Thus, as noted above, the grain management system detects the presence of anomalies in the grain, estimates a location for each of the anomalies and produces an output. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 15, the output 1500 from the system is a three-dimensional representation of the grain storage area 1502 that provides the user with a visual indicator of the location of detected anomalies. Many variations on such visual outputs can be envisioned and are within the scope of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the system provides a visual representation of the grain storage area, the visual representation comprising an image of the grain storage area and a system output. In some embodiments, the visual representation is provided using augmented reality. FIG. 16A depicts one exemplary embodiment of such a system. Grain management system 1600 includes sensor units 1605 that detect environmental variables in grain pile 1602, generate environmental data and transfer that environmental data to cloud computing system 1601. Cloud computing system 1601 analyzes the environmental data derived from sensor units 1605 thereby producing an output. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 16A, the output is a visual representation of the presence, intensity, and/or location of an anomalous condition in the grain (e.g., a hotspot, local area of increased humidity, locally increased likelihood of spoilage, etc.). In some embodiments, this output is transmitted to a user interface 1604. User interface 1604 comprises a display 1610, which can present images and other visual representations to the user. The user interface also receives data (e.g., images such as video or pictures of grain pile 1602) from image source 1603. In FIG. 16A, the display 1610 on user interface 1604 provides an image comprising (1) image 1613 of the grain pile 1602 provided by image source 1603, and (2) output 1611, which depicts the location and nature of the anomalous event detected in grain pile 1602. In this manner, the user can view the grain pile 1602 through the display 1610 of user interface 1604 and see a visual representation of the detected anomaly, allowing the user to easily locate the anomaly using this augmented reality system.

Many variations of this system 1600 are envisioned and are all within the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, image source 1603 is a digital camera that provides images of the grain pile 1602 to the user interface 1604. In some embodiments, the image source 1603 and user interface 1604 (including display 1610) are part of a combined unit, such as for example, a mobile phone with a built-in digital camera and display screen. In some embodiments, the image source is a distinct piece of hardware (e.g., locally installed digital video camera) from the user interface (e.g., mobile phone, personal computer, television, etc.). In some embodiments, such as the embodiment depicted in FIG. 16A, the image 1613 from image source 1603 and the output 1611 from cloud computing system 1601 are combined and/or overlaid by the user interface (e.g., mobile phone). In other embodiments, the image source 1603 sends image 1613 to the cloud computing system 1601, where cloud computing system combines and/or overlays output 1611 on image 1613 before sending the combined image to the user interface 1604. In some embodiments, the user sees an image, such as a video and/or a picture, of the grain pile 1602 in real-time or nearly real-time (with minimal lag) with output 1611 overlaid and, in some embodiments, updated in real time or nearly real-time. Many different embodiments of this augmented reality system are possible, and are all within the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, the augmented reality/data visualization systems discussed herein are compatible with and can be combined with any of the other systems (e.g., grain storage systems, sensor units, etc.) and features (e.g., predictive analytics, GSQI, automation, etc.) disclosed in the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, a method is performed to visualize features of the grain storage environment. For example, in some embodiments, as exemplified in FIG. 16B, a system performs a method comprising the following steps:

-   -   Generating environmental data corresponding to an environmental         variable in a grain storage environment;     -   transmitting the environmental data to a cloud computing system;     -   applying an artificial-intelligence train algorithm to the         environmental data in the cloud computing system;     -   generating an output; and     -   providing a digital image comprising an image of the grain         storage environment and the output.

Many iterations and/or variations on this method are possible, and all such variations are within the scope of the present disclosure.

D. Alternative Configurations

The grain management systems disclosed herein can be used in combination with, or include features of any of, the sensor units (e.g., sensor units 105, enclosed sensor unit 700, sensor spear unit 900, sensor-enhanced fastener unit 950 etc.) and/or sensor systems (e.g., sensor systems 100, 600, 1200, 1300, 1600, 1800, etc.) described in the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the environmental data sets are sent from the sensor units 1205 to the cloud computing system 1201 in real time. In some embodiments, the environmental data sets are first stored locally by the sensor units 1205 and later communicated to the cloud computing system 1201. In some embodiments, sensor units 1205 communicate with each other over a wireless meshing network, described above. In some embodiments, sensor units 1205 communicate with each other over a wide-range wireless network such as, for example LoRaWAN. In some embodiments, sensor units 1205 communicate with cloud computing system 1201 indirectly via a gateway such as, for example, gateway 102. In some embodiments, gateway 102 stores and/or processes environmental data before transmitting to cloud computing system 1201. In various embodiments, each sensor unit 1205 can possess and utilize any of the various features described throughout this present disclosure with respect to sensor unit 105 or other sensor units disclosed herein, including, for example, sleep/wake cycles, sensor delete logic, data visualization, GSQI and/or power saving features, etc.

Although the systems depicted in FIGS. 12A and 12 utilize sensor units 1205 that communicate with the cloud computing system 1211 directly (i.e., without a gateway), in some embodiments the sensor units 1205 communicate with the cloud computing system 1201 via a gateway (not shown in FIG. 12A or FIG. 12C). In some of such embodiments, one of the sensor units 1205 functions as the gateway using, for example, a star network or a hub-and-spoke configuration. In some of such embodiments, the gateway is a separate piece of hardware, such as, for example, those gateways described above. In other embodiments, one of the sensor units 1205 is the gateway, receiving data from other sensor units 1205, and having the same functionality described above with respect to gateways, including for example transmitting that data to the cloud computing system 1201 (not depicted in FIG. 12A). In some embodiments, the analysis and/or output generation occurs on a local computer instead of, or in addition to, a cloud computing systems. In some embodiments, the sensor units 1205 utilize “master”/“minion” functionality described above with respect to sensor units 105. Although embodiments utilizing a gateway (either a designated sensor unit, or a traditional gateway) are not depicted in FIGS. 12A and 12C, such embodiments are within the scope of the present disclosure.

Systems having the features described in this section can also include any of the features describes elsewhere in the present disclosure, including for example, GSQI determination and prediction, additional anomaly detection protocols, decision optimization, and automation of downstream processes. Moreover, any other system described herein, can also include the features described in this section, including for example, comparative analytics between sensor units, anomaly location determination, and detection of elevated spoilage risk. Systems having any combination of the features and components described herein are within the scope of the present disclosure.

VII. Systems and Methods Utilizing GSQI

In some embodiments, the methods and systems disclosed herein provide the user with a quantitative measure of grain quality, referred to herein as a Grain Storage Quality Index (“GSQI”). The GSQI value of a given batch of grain corresponds to the objective quality of that grain batch. In some embodiments, the maximum GSQI value is 1000 and the minimum GSQI value is 100. In some embodiments, the GSQI scale comprises integers from 100 to 1000. GSQI allows an easy measurement of the quality of grain in a silo based on multiple factors simultaneously. Similarly, the quality of two batches of grain, each comprising grain from a different region (e.g., rice from Thailand and rice from California) can be directly compared simply by comparing the two GSQI values. For example, if grain Batch A, which is composed of rice grown California, has a GSQI value of 892, and Batch B, which is composed of rice grown in Texas, has a GSQI value of 772, a potential purchaser can easily quantify the difference in quality between Batch A and Batch B based on these GSQI values. GSQI-enabled systems can utilize all components (e.g., sensor units, WJBs, repeaters, gateways, cloud computing systems, user interfaces, etc.) and features (e.g., anomaly detection, sensor delete logic, advanced spoilage detection, notifications, automation of downstream processes, etc.) that are disclosed herein.

Each of GSQI providing algorithms discussed below can be trained using machine learning and/or artificial intelligence. In some embodiments, the GSQI algorithms comprise artificial intelligence models. In some embodiments, the GSQI algorithms are trained using machine learning. In some embodiments, the GSQI algorithms are trained using linear one class support vector machines (“SVM with”) deep learning. In some embodiments, the GSQI algorithms are trained using deep learning. In some embodiments, the GSQI algorithms are trained with deep Q-learning. In some embodiments, the GSQI algorithms are trained using deep policy gradient. In some embodiments, the GSQI algorithms are trained using neural networks.

In some embodiments, the GSQI algorithms are trained using deep learning. In some embodiments, the GSQI algorithms are trained using Restricted Boltzmann Machines (RBMs). In some embodiments, the GSQI algorithms are trained using Deep Belief Networks (DBNs). DBNs are built by stacking several RBMs and allow learning of the distribution of the training data in an unsupervised manner.

Using the concepts, methods, and systems disclosed herein, a similar quality index score could be developed for other crops in storage. For example, a quality score based on the ripeness level of fruit and/or vegetables could be developed. In some cases, where necessary, specific considerations for application to fruits and vegetables are discussed.

A. Initial GSQI Values

For each batch of grain in storage, an initial GSQI value must be determined. In some embodiments, a primary grain quality data set is used to determine the initial GSQI value includes an Equilibrium moisture content (EMC) for the grain batch, a test weight value for the grain batch, and a visual quality value for the grain batch. In some embodiments, the visual quality value comprises a number of broken kernels, stress cracks and/or a number of pests in a sample of grain from the grain batch. In some embodiments, the primary grain quality data set further comprises at least one of the following the species of the first batch of grain, the fatty acid content of the first batch of grain, and the protein, oil, and/or starch content of the first batch of grain. In some embodiments, the primary grain quality data set is analyzed by an algorithm that generates an initial GSQI value. In some embodiments, that algorithm can be trained using a machine learning process. In some embodiments, the weights of each individual factor (e.g., temperature, moisture, test weight, etc.) in determining GSQI value are determined using multiple linear regression.

In some embodiments, a method is performed to determine an initial GSQI value.

For example, in some embodiments, a system performs a method comprising the following steps:

-   -   receiving a primary grain quality data set comprising a first         batch data set, the first batch data set comprising at least one         the following values: an equivalent moisture content value for a         first grain batch, a test weight value for the first grain         batch, and a visual quality value for the first grain batch; and     -   providing the primary grain quality data set to a GSQI         predictor, wherein the GSQI predictor applies machine learning         to the primary grain storage data set, thereby generating the         initial GSQI value.         In some embodiments, a difference in quality between a first         grain type and a second grain type can be determined by directly         comparing a first initial GSQI value corresponding to the first         grain type to a second initial GSQI value corresponding to the         second grain type.

In some embodiments, cloud computing system 101 performs the steps necessary to generate an initial GSQI value. In some embodiments, gateway 102 performs the steps necessary to generate an initial GSQI value. In some embodiments, data corresponding to the primary grain quality data set are provided to the system by manual data entry. In some embodiments, the primary grain quality data set is provided to the system using an automatic process.

In some embodiments, the initial GSQI value is calculated using a formula. In some embodiments, the initial GSQI value is calculated using a clustering algorithm that is trained using a training data set that comprises grade scores for a plurality of grain batches, as well as GSQI values calculated for those batches (e.g., using a formula and/or machine learning trained algorithm). In some embodiments, the clustering algorithm defines ranges for each grade score and quantifies those scores. The clustering algorithm then correlates those grade scores to GSQI values to define the index. For example, the clustering algorithm could determine that “Grade A” canola corresponds to an initial GSQI score between 850 and 1000. To determine the initial GSQI value for a first grain batch (e.g., one determined to be “Grade A” canola), the algorithm in this example compares the initial quality data set for the first grain batch to initial quality data sets from other batches within the “Grade A” range to obtain the initial GSQI value for the first grain batch.

B. Determining Current GSQI Values

In some embodiments, the system can determine GSQI values for a batch of grain in storage. In some embodiments, the system predicts a current and/or future GSQI value for a batch of grain in storage based on historical GSQI values (including the initial GSQI value described above), data about the grain storage environment (e.g., data collected from sensors within the storage units, weather data from a local weather service, etc.), and future weather forecasts. In some embodiments, the predicted GSQI value representing the current quality of grain in storage is generated automatically upon receipt of updated environmental data. In some embodiments, the updated environmental data comprise data received from sensors inside the grain storage environment. In some embodiment, the updated environmental data comprise data received from external sources, such as, for example, a local weather service.

In some embodiments, cloud computing system 101 performs the steps necessary to determine a current GSQI value for a batch of grain in storage. In some embodiments, gateway 102 performs the steps necessary to determine a current GSQI value for a batch of grain in storage. In some embodiments, environmental data corresponding to environmental variables in the grain storage environment are provided to the system by manual data entry. In some embodiments, environmental data corresponding to environmental variables in the grain storage environment are provided to the system using an automatic process.

In some embodiments, current GSQI values are calculated using the following formula. Starting with an initial or baseline GSQI value, a value is subtracted, for example, for each day of storage. In one embodiment, the value subtracted for each day is dependent on the environmental conditions measured for that day. For example, the value that is subtracted is greater, for example, for high humidity and/or temperature values. In some embodiments, the values that are subtracted for a particular humidity and/or temperature have been determined empirically, through data collected in grain silos. In some embodiments, the values that are subtracted for a particular humidity, temperature, and/or pressure are determined based on local weather reports.

FIG. 17 depicts a chart of a GSQI score over time for a hypothetical batch of grain. In this example, the initial GSQI value is calculated to be 1000. Over time, however, the GSQI value is gradually reduced. The reduction in GSQI value corresponds to the reduction in quality of the grain in storage. In the beginning, the deterioration is slow. During this time, for example, the environmental data (e.g., temperature and humidity data) indicate favorable conditions for storing grain (e.g., low humidity and moderate temperature). Accordingly, the system would not register a large decrease in grain quality during this time. In contrast, during a later time period (indicated by the middle portion of the curve, the rate of degradation (indicated by the slope of the line) is much higher. During this time period, for example, conditions in the grain storage environment are less favorable to maintaining grain quality (e.g., high temperature and high humidity), thereby leading to more rapid degradation in quality. As depicted in the graph in FIG. 17, the rate of degradation is reduced at the end of the observation period, as indicated by a reduction in the downward slope of the line. During this time, the grain storage conditions are determined to be more favorable.

In some embodiments, the GSQI value will correspond to one or more current grain quality scores. For example, in FIG. 17, the GSQI scale matches an arbitrary current grain score as follows: GSQI values from 850 to 1000 correspond to Grade 1 for a particular grain (for example, canola). GSQI values from 650 to 849 correspond to Grade 2 for that same grain. GSQI values below 650 may correspond to Grade 3 for that grain. Thus, as demonstrated in FIG. 17, the grain in storage degrades from a Grade 1 grain to a Grade 3 grain during the course of storage, and this information is available because the system provides a GSQI score. In some embodiments, these threshold values will change over time based on the availability of additional data and normalization across a myriad of agricultural standards. In some embodiments, the thresholds will change over time when normalizing across countries and regions. Importantly, the GSQI score provides a more granular and nuanced quality readout for a particular batch of grain, while still correlating to an existing grain quality grading system. Also, as discussed above, GSQI permits direct comparison of grain quality across regions and grain types.

In some embodiments, sensor systems of the present disclosure, such as for example sensor system 100 and sensor system 600, are able to predict current and future grain quality of grain in storage using the GSQI metric. For example, in some embodiments, a grain batch is stored in a storage container which is equipped with a sensor system of the type disclosed herein, such as GSQI-enabled sensor system 1800, depicted in FIG. 18. This exemplary sensor system comprises two enclosed sensor units 1805, analogous to enclosed sensor unit 700. Enclosed sensor units 1805 are configured, for example, to detect temperature and humidity values inside grain silo 1810, where they are deployed. Sensors 1805 gather environmental data (e.g., temperature and humidity data from inside grain silo 1810) and transmit that data wirelessly to gateway 1802. Gateway 1802 then sends the temperature data to cloud computing system 1801, where it is analyzed to determine a predicted GSQI score for the grain stored in the grain silo over time. This information can be accessed by the user via user interface 1804, which could be, for example, a personal computer or mobile phone. In some embodiments, the user interface 1804 utilizes a native application (e.g., on the mobile phone and/or computer). In some embodiments, the user utilizes a web-based application that is accessed via the user interface 1804. The user interface 1804 provides display 1820 which communicates, among other things, the GSQI score over time to the user. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 18, the GSQI Score is displayed as a graph of GSQI score over time. However, many formats and methods of display are within the scope of the present disclosure.

With reference to the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 18, the grain batch in grain silo 1810 has an initial GSQI value, determined using one or more of the techniques described herein. By way of example, this initial GSQI value was determined to be 900, but the initial value can, of course, be any GSQI value, as long as it correlates to the quality of the grain as described herein. At a first time point, sensors 1805 detect, for example, temperature and humidity values inside the grain silo. These values are transmitted wirelessly to the gateway 1802, which sends the data to cloud computing system 1801 for processing, as discussed. The cloud computing system 1801 applies an algorithm to determine GSQI based on the historical data set comprising the initial GSQI value, and the environmental data set, which comprises the temperature and humidity data received by the cloud computing system 1801 from sensors 1805. The algorithm then subtracts from the initial GSQI score an appropriate number, which is based on the temperature and humidity levels detected at the first time point. In some instances, the system will determine based on the data received from the sensors 1805 that no deduction is necessary, and the GSQI score will remain constant. At a second time point, this process is repeated. However, the GSQI value from the first time point is now factored into the historical data set, and new environmental data are received from sensors 1805. This process continues for a plurality of time points. Over time, this data can be displayed, for example as a graph of GSQI score over time, as depicted by display 1820, which is accessed via user interface 1804.

Although for ease of explanation this example utilizes sensors in only one grain storage environment (i.e., grain silo 1810), sensor systems covering a plurality of grain storage environments are envisioned. Sensors systems can utilize a plurality of sensors units (including both standalone sensor units and WJB-enabled local sensors), gateways, repeaters, etc. In some embodiments, these systems can create a local meshing network, as described above. All other features described herein can also be incorporated into a GSQI-enabled sensor system. For example, power saving modalities, discussed above, can be incorporated into a GSQI-enabled sensor system. For example, if the temperature and/or humidity data do not differ significantly from prior values, one or more “no change” signals are sent from sensors 1805 to the cloud computing system 1801 via gateway 1802. Cloud computing system 1801 will then proceed with calculating a present GSQI value using one or more data points from the previous environmental data set. As discussed above, each of the components and features discussed herein can be combined in many ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

Similarly, display 1820 is not limited to displaying GSQI values. It can display environmental data collected by the sensors 1805. Current and historical environmental data can be viewed, and the display 1820 can be configured to display such data in a variety of manners. In some embodiments, display 1820 also depicts the presence or absence of anomalous events (e.g., hot spot formation, pest colony development, mold growth, etc.), as well as probabilities that such anomalous events are developing. Display 1820 can also provide notifications and/or alarms, as well as suggested parameters for modifying the grain storage environment. In some embodiments, user interface 1804 will also be gateway 1802 (e.g., in embodiments where gateway 1802 is a mobile phone).

Although the examples described above utilize temperature and/or humidity data, many different types of environmental data can be utilized in a GSQI-enabled grain storage system, such as grain storage system 1800. For example, the environmental data used when determining a GSQI value can include the following: temperature, humidity level, carbon dioxide concentration, oxygen concentration, phosphine concentration, ethylene concentration, and sound levels. In some embodiments, each grain storage environment comprises a plurality (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.) of sensors. In some such embodiments, each of the plurality of sensors is specific to a different environmental variable. In other embodiments, at least one sensor can detect data from a plurality (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.) of environmental variables. For example, in one embodiment, a single sensor can detect more than one of the following: temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, oxygen, phosphine, ethylene, and sound. In some embodiments, each sensor in the GSQI-enabled sensor system detects the same environmental variable or a set of environmental variables. In other embodiments, at least one sensor in the GSQI-enabled sensor system detects a different environmental variable or set of environmental variables than at least one other sensor on the GSQI-enabled sensor system. Thus, the use of GSQI allows an easy measurement of the quality of grain in a grain storage environment (e.g., grain silo, grain bag, etc.) based on multiple factors simultaneously.

Many different sets of environmental data may be utilized to determine the GSQI score of a batch of grain in storage. In some embodiments, the environmental data set used to determine GSQI comprises at least one of the following: temperature data, humidity data, carbon data, oxygen data, phosphine data, ethylene data, sound/acoustic data, pressure data, and movement data. In some embodiments, the environmental data set used to determine GSQI comprises at least one of temperature data and humidity data. In another embodiment, the environmental data set used to determine GSQI comprises at least one of temperature data and humidity data, as well as at least one of the following: carbon data, oxygen data, phosphine data, ethylene data, sound/acoustic data, pressure data, and movement data. In another embodiment, the environmental data set used to determine GSQI comprises both temperature data and humidity data. In another embodiment, the environmental data set used to determine GSQI comprises both temperature data and humidity data, as well as at least one of the following: temperature data, humidity data, carbon data, oxygen data, phosphine data, ethylene data, sound/acoustic data, pressure data, and movement data.

As discussed above, in some embodiments, the environmental data used to determine the GSQI value of grain in storage comprises data from a weather service. For example, in some embodiments, a GSQI-enabled system will import data from a local weather service at a regular time period (e.g. twice a day), and use this data as part of an environmental data set to determine the GSQI value of a batch of grain in storage. The data imported from the weather service can be, for example, temperature data, humidity data, and/or pressure data corresponding to the local area in which the grain storage environment (or plurality of grain storage environments) is located. In some embodiments, the environmental data set used to calculate a GSQI value is composed entirely of data retrieved from a weather service. In other embodiments, the environmental data set comprises data received from a weather service as well as data obtained from one or more sensors that detect environmental variables of the grain storage environment. For example, in one embodiment, a sensor system such as GSQI-enabled sensor system 1800 records temperature data, carbon dioxide data, and oxygen data using sensors 1805. However, when calculating a GSQI value for the grain in the storage environment (e.g., grain silo 1810), cloud computing system 1801 utilizes an environmental data set that comprises both data from sensors 1805 (e.g., temperature data, carbon dioxide data, and oxygen data) and data from a weather service (e.g., temperature data, humidity data, and/or pressure data). Many combinations of environmental data derived from sensors and weather services are envisioned, each of which is within the scope of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the sensor system develops a thermal signature of a storage unit (e.g., storage bin, silo, container, etc.). In such embodiments, one or more sensor units 1805 obtains environmental data that correspond to one or more environmental variables within the storage unit. The environmental data is stored, for example, on gateway 1802 or cloud computing system 1801, thereby creating a historical environmental data set. In some embodiments, the historical environmental data set comprises environmental data collected by sensors 1805 at a plurality of time points, with each subset of environmental data corresponding to environmental variables in the storage container at each of the plurality of time points. The historical data set is analyzed using an algorithm, thereby creating a thermal signature of the storage bin. In some embodiments, data storage and analysis are performed by cloud computing system 1801. In some embodiments, data storage and analysis are performed by cloud computing system 1802 and/or gateway 1802. In some embodiments, thermal signature is seasonally adjusted. In some embodiments, the thermal signature is unique to the storage unit in which sensors 1805 are located. The system analyzes a future environmental data set comprising predicted future weather data (e.g., data from a local weather forecast) and the thermal signature of the storage unit to determine predicted GSQI value(s) for the grain located in the storage unit. In some embodiments, the thermal profile is refined as new environmental data are transferred from sensors 1805 to cloud computing system 1801.

In some embodiments, the system develops the thermal profile of the storage unit using a combined historical data set comprising a historical environmental data set and a historical weather data set. In such embodiments, the algorithm analyzes the combined historical data set to generate a thermal profile of the storage unit. In some embodiments, the historical weather data set comprises weather data from the region in which the storage unit is located and the historical weather data set comprises local weather data at a plurality of time points. In some embodiments, the historical weather data set comprises a plurality of local weather data subsets each corresponding to the local weather at one of a plurality of time points. In some embodiments, the data from the historical weather data set at each of a plurality of time points are correlated with corresponding data from the historical environmental data set (e.g., environmental data obtained by the sensors 1805 on the same day as the local weather data). In some embodiments, cloud computing system 1801 applies an algorithm to the combined historical data set thereby generating a thermal profile for the storage unit. In some embodiments, the thermal profile is seasonally adjusted. In some embodiments, the thermal profile is refined as new environmental data and/or weather data are transmitted to cloud computing system 1801. In some embodiments, the local weather data is obtained from a third party (e.g., a local weather service). Using the same principals and methods, the system 1800 can also create thermal profiles for each of a plurality of storage units.

While the examples above focus primarily on systems that are configured to generate a GSQI value, methods for generating such values are within the purview of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, a system performs a method comprising the following steps, which are outlined in FIG. 19.

-   -   receiving an environmental data;     -   applying a trained algorithm to combined data set comprising         detected environmental data and historical grain quality data;         and     -   generating a current GSQI value;         wherein a difference in quality between a first grain type and a         second grain type can be determined by directly comparing a         first GSQI value corresponding to the first grain type to a         second GSQI value corresponding to the second grain type. In         some embodiments, the historical grain quality data set further         comprises a historical GSQI profile, and the historical GSQI         profile comprising a plurality of historical GSQI values. In         some embodiments, the environmental data set comprises a         temperature value and a humidity value. In some embodiments, the         environmental data set further comprises at least one of the         following: an oxygen value, a carbon dioxide value, a phosphine         value, an ethylene value, an acoustic value, a pressure value,         and a movement value. In some embodiments, the environmental         data set comprises data derived from one or more sensors that         detect environmental variables in a grain storage environment.         In some embodiments, the environmental data set comprises data         derived from a weather service.

As discussed above, a quality index for fruit and/or vegetables in storage could be devised using many of the same systems and methods described herein. In such a system, the data correlating to levels of ethylene gas detected by sensor units, such as sensor unit 105, are factored prominently in the determination of quality. Ethylene is given off by ripening fruit and/or vegetables. Therefore, the environmental data tracked by the system includes ethylene concentration, as well as temperature and humidity. This data can be used to determine the level of ripeness for the fruit and/or vegetables. In addition, analysis using other environmental variables (e.g., temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, oxygen, phosphine, etc.) can be analyzed to determine the presence or absence of additional factors, such as anomalous conditions, conditions conducive to spoilage, etc. These additional factors can also be included in determining the quality level of the fruit and/or vegetables in storage.

C. Predicting Future GSQI Values

In some instances, it is advantageous to predict the quality of a batch of grain in storage at a future time point. Thus, a GSQI predictive model is particularly desirable, as decisions could be made today based on anticipated GSQI values in the future.

In some embodiments, the system predicts a future GSQI value for a batch of grain in a storage environment. In some embodiments, the system predicts a plurality of future GSQI values, each corresponding to the quality of a batch in grain in storage at a different future time point. In some embodiments, the system generates a predicted GSQI profile for a batch of grain in storage that comprises a plurality of future GSQI values, each corresponding to the quality of a batch in grain in storage at a different future time point. In some embodiments, the predicted GSQI value(s) are derived from a GSQI predictive model.

In some embodiments, the GSQI predictive model is based on a predicted environmental data set. In some embodiments, the predicted environmental data set comprises predicted environmental data derived from weather forecasts and/or predicted environmental data derived at least in part from analysis of historical environmental data. In some embodiments, the analysis of historical environmental data is based on the application of one or more of the following: artificial intelligence (e.g., neural network, machine learning, etc.), lookup tables, curve fitting to a mathematical model, and direct mathematical modeling. In some embodiments, a historical environmental data set is analyzed using a machine-learning trained algorithm that generates predicted environmental data. In some embodiments, this predicted environmental data is used to calculate a predicted GSQI profile for a batch of grain in storage. In some embodiments, this predicted environmental data is combined with data from at least outside source (e.g., weather report) before it is used to calculate a predicted GSQI profile for a batch of grain in storage.

In some embodiments, the historical environmental data are derived from sensors that detect one or more environmental variables in the grain storage environment. In some embodiments, the sensors comprise standalone sensors, such as sensor unit 105 (described, for example, with respect to FIG. 1A and FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the sensors comprise local sensors 407 that have been modified using a WJB 400, (described, for example, with respect to FIG. 4). In some embodiments, the sensors comprise enclosed sensor units 700 (described, for example, with respect to FIG. 7A). In some embodiments, the historical environmental data are collected as part of a sensor system disclosed in the present embodiment (e.g., sensors systems 100, 600, 1200, 1300, 1800, etc.). In some embodiments, the historical environmental data set comprises data derived from at least one external source (e.g., weather report data). In some embodiments, for example, historical data (e.g., temperature data, humidity data, and/or pressure data) gathered and collected by one or more third parties (e.g. weather report) will be collected and incorporated into the historical data set used to predict future GSQI values. In some embodiments, such historical data, in conjunction with historical environmental data derived from sensors within the grain storage environment, will be used to train and/or refine the predictive algorithm.

The historical environmental data used to predict future GSQI values can comprise data corresponding to any environmental variable, including for example, those environmental variables described herein. For example, the environmental data used when predicting a future GSQI value can include the following: temperature, humidity level, carbon dioxide concentration, oxygen concentration, phosphine concentration, ethylene concentration, and sound levels. Many different sets of environmental data may be utilized to predict future GSQI scores for a batch of grain in storage. In some embodiments, the historical environmental data set used to predict future GSQI values comprises at least one of the following: temperature data, humidity data, carbon data, oxygen data, phosphine data, ethylene data, sound/acoustic data, pressure data, and movement data. In some embodiments, the historical environmental data set used to predict future GSQI values comprises at least one of temperature data and humidity data. In another embodiment, the historical environmental data set used to predict future GSQI values comprises at least one of temperature data and humidity data, as well as at least one of the following: carbon data, oxygen data, phosphine data, ethylene data, sound/acoustic data, pressure data, and movement data. In another embodiment, the historical environmental data set used to predict future GSQI values comprises both temperature data and humidity data. In another embodiment, the historical environmental data set used to predict future GSQI values comprises both temperature data and humidity data, as well as at least one of the following: temperature data, humidity data, carbon data, oxygen data, phosphine data, ethylene data, sound/acoustic data, pressure data, and movement data.

In some embodiments, the provision of predicted GSQI values and/or a predicted GSQI profile is achieved using a sensor system, such as, for example, sensor system 1800, depicted in FIG. 18. In some embodiments, the historical environmental data set comprises data derived from sensors 1805, located within grain silo 1810. In some embodiments, this historical data set is stored in cloud computing system 1801 and/or gateway 1802. In some embodiments, cloud computing system 1801 and/or gateway 1802 also stores a historical GSQI profile for grain silo 1810, which is comprised of a plurality of GSQI values at different time points, which were determined using any of the methods disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the cloud computing system 1801 utilizes a machine-learning trained algorithm to generate the predicted GSQI profile. In some embodiments, the machine-learning trained algorithm analyzes the historical GSQI profile and the historical environmental data to generate the predicted GSQI profile. In some embodiments, the cloud computing system 1801 provides a visual depiction of the predicted GSQI profile. In some embodiments, the user can access the predicted GSQI profile and/or the visual depiction using user interface 1804, which in some such embodiments comprises a mobile phone, personal computer, tablet computer, etc. This feature of providing predicted GSQI values in connection with a sensor system can be combined with any of the various features and/or sensor systems described in the present disclosure. Many permutations are envisioned, each of which are within the scope of the present disclosure.

While the examples above focus primarily on systems that are configured to generate a GSQI value, methods for generating such values are within the purview of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, a system performs a method comprising the following steps, which are outlined in FIG. 19:

-   -   incorporating a predicted environmental data set into a combined         data set;     -   applying a trained algorithm to the combined data set; and     -   generating a predicted GSQI value;         wherein a difference in quality between a first grain type and a         second grain type can be determined by directly comparing a         first GSQI value corresponding to the first grain type to a         second GSQI value corresponding to the second grain type. Also         as depicted in FIG. 19, the system can generate the predicted         environmental data set in several possible ways. First, in some         embodiments, the system can import an external predicted         environmental data set, such as for example temperature data,         humidity data, and pressure data from a local weather forecast.         In some embodiments, this external predicted environmental data         set is analyzed and/or processed before being incorporated into         the combined data set. Second, in some embodiments, a historical         environmental data set is stored on the cloud computing system.         In some embodiments, this historical environmental data set         comprises environmental data previously collected from within         the grain storage environment. In some embodiments, a trained         algorithm analyzes this historical data set, thereby generating         internal predicted environmental data. In some embodiments, this         internal predicted data set is used in the predicted         environmental data set that is incorporated into the combined         data set. In some embodiments, the predicted environmental data         set incorporated into the combined data set comprises both the         external predicted environmental data set and the internal         predicted environmental data set.

In some embodiments, the historical grain quality data set further comprises a historical GSQI profile, the historical GSQI profile comprising a plurality of historical GSQI values. In some embodiments, the environmental data set comprises a temperature value and a humidity value. In some embodiments, the environmental data set further comprises at least one of the following: an oxygen value, a carbon dioxide value, a phosphine value, an ethylene value, an acoustic value, a pressure value, and a movement value. In some embodiments, the environmental data set comprises data derived from one or more sensors that detect environmental variables in a grain storage environment. In some embodiments, the environmental data set comprises data derived from a weather service.

In some embodiments, predicted GSQI values are calculated and refined over time. In one embodiment, model refinement occurs as follows. Current GSQI values are computed at regular or approximately regular intervals of time (e.g., every day, every 2 days, every week, etc.) based upon environmental data collected by the sensor units within the grain storage environment. In some embodiments, each current GSQI value is calculated, for example, based on stepwise deduction from the prior GSQI values (i.e., historical GSQI data set). The magnitude of the stepwise deduction is, in turn, dependent on the environmental data obtained by the sensors within the grain storage environment. In some embodiments, a first future predicted GSQI value is calculated, based, for example, on a linear regression model with data inputs from, for example, local weather data. After the passage of time, the first future predicted GSQI value is compared to a first calculated current GSQI value at that time point (i.e., the next GSQI value calculated using actual data collected from sensors within the grain storage environment). The first future GSQI value is compared to the first calculated current GSQI value to determine a first error margin. This process is then repeated with each iteration of predicted data. For example, a second future predicted GSQI value is generated, using slight alterations to the analytical parameters. For example, in the next iteration, the predictive model will factor humidity data from the weather forecast slightly higher in its analysis, temperature data from the weather forecast slightly lower in its analysis, and the linear regression from the historical GSQI data slightly higher in its analysis. This second future predicted GSQI value is then compared to a second calculated current GSQI value, which is generated when the corresponding environmental data are collected. This comparison produces a second error margin. This process is iteratively repeated over time, and the predictive model systematically changes the analytical parameters at each iteration to improve the accuracy of the predicted future GSQI values (i.e., lower the margin of error). In this way, the predictive model is responsive and improves over time.

In some embodiments, the predictive GSQI model will produce different predictive outputs over time. For example, in some embodiments, the predictive GSQI model will only produce conservative predictions of future GSQI profiles (e.g., predictive GSQI profiles only 1-2 weeks out) due to the limited access of historical data. However, as more historical data are analyzed over time and the predictive algorithm is refined (for example, as discussed above), the predictive algorithm predictive future GSQI profiles will be made over longer periods of time (e.g., 1-2 months). In some embodiments, these more advanced predictions are the result of pattern recognition analysis. In some embodiments, these predictions are coupled with confidence intervals. In some embodiments, a plurality of predictive models are offered, each having an associated probability.

In some embodiments, the predicted GSQI value is determined using a rule based algorithm. In some embodiments, the probability is determined by the comparison of actual and predicted environmental values (as discussed before). In some embodiments, the predictive models utilize moving averages. In some embodiments, the predictive models utilize exponential smoothing and/or double exponential smoothing. In some embodiments, the GSQI prediction algorithm utilizes pattern recognition.

Similar methodology can be utilized to predict the quality of fruit and/or vegetables in storage. For example, trends in ethylene data in the historical data set can be analyzed in conjunction with additional environmental data (e.g., temperature and/or humidity data) to determine predictive models for ripening during storage and/or transport. These predictive ripening models can be analyzed in conjunction with predicted environmental data (e.g., predicted temperature, humidity data, and/or pressure data derived from a local weather forecast) to generate a predicted quality profile for the fruit and/or vegetables in storage. Like those for grains, these predictive models can be iteratively refined. In addition, analysis using other environmental variables (e.g., temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, oxygen, phosphine, etc.) can be analyzed to determine the presence or absence of additional factors, such as anomalous conditions, conditions conducive to spoilage, etc. These additional factors can also be included in the prediction models for the quality level of the fruit and/or vegetables in storage.

D. Optimization Processes utilizing GSQI Values

In some circumstances, it is advantageous to have a system that automatically analyzes current and/or future quality data (e.g., GSQI profiles) from one or more batches of grain and uses these data sets to optimize a process. Two exemplary optimization processes are described below. However, many business decisions can be automated using predicted GSQI profiles without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

(1) Optimizing Decisions Relating to Sale of Grain Batches and/or Grain Products

For example, an operator might have two batches of grain, Batch 1 and Batch 2, which are located in different grain storage environments. In some embodiments of the systems described in the present disclosure, GSQI profiles for each batch will be generated by the system and displayed for the operator. In some embodiments, the system will provide a display that include a predicted GSQI profile for future time points. These displays can inform decisions made by an operator (e.g., which batch to sell, when to sell, whether to move one or both batches to different storage areas, etc.). In some embodiments, the display will also provide suggestions to the operator to help the operator make that decision. For example, in one embodiment, the system generates an alert notifying the operator that the quality of Batch 1 is deteriorating rapidly, while the quality of Batch 2 is relatively constant. The notification also includes predicted GSQI profiles that tell the operator that Batch 1 is likely to continue to degrade at a rapid rate, while Batch 2 is likely to hold its quality for the foreseeable future. Along with this data, the notification would include a suggestion that the operator sell Batch 1 within the next week or two, while holding onto Batch 2. In some embodiments, the notification includes predicted returns on the sale, based on public data pertaining to the most recent prevailing market rate for that particular grain in that particular region. In some embodiments, the entire decision of when and how much to sell could be automated by the system.

In some embodiments, weather forecasts for each of the grain batches are utilized to generate the predictive GSQI models. In some embodiments, commodity market forecasts, weather forecasts, energy costs, estimated shrink, and/or labor costs are analyzed to predict the ideal time to sell grain. In some embodiments, the presence of a deleterious anomalous event (e.g., hotspot) is utilized to generate the predictive GSQI models. In some embodiments, the probability of a future deleterious anomalous event is utilized to generate the predictive GSQI models.

(2) Optimizing Decisions Relating to the Shipment of Grain and/or Grain Products

The sensor systems, apparatuses, and methods of the present disclosure have applications outside of stationary grain storage environments. For example, a grain storage environment can be mobile (e.g., shipping container, shipping truck, boat, train, etc.). Sensor systems disclosed herein are uniquely suited for utilization in mobile grain storage environments. For example, a sensor system comprising three sensor units and a gateway can be used to monitor shipment of grain products in a refrigerated truck. In this exemplary embodiment, each sensor units monitors the environmental variables within the refrigerated truck. The sensor units send the data to the gateway over, for example, a local wireless network. The gateway then utilizes a long range wireless network to send the data to a cloud computing system over a long-range network, using, for example, cellular or satellite connectivity. In this way, the cloud computing system can monitor the environmental variables within the refrigerated truck in real time or nearly in real time during the transport of the grain products.

In some embodiments, the system will provide suggestions for optimal shipping methods and/or shipping routes for grain and/or grain products before the grain and/or grain products are shipped. By optimizing the route selected to ship the grain or grain product, the system will allow the user to obtain the maximum return on their product by delivering the product at the highest possible quality. In some embodiments, the system will provide suggestions for the optimal shipping destination for grain and/or grain products, thereby allowing the user to ship and sell their product to the buyer who will receive the grain at maximum quality and consequentially be willing to pay the highest price.

In some embodiments, one or more of the following pieces of information may be collected:

-   -   a. the transport distance for each possible destination;     -   b. for non-refrigerated shipping, ambient temperature along         possible routes for each possible destination;     -   c. variability of time to reach each possible destination; and     -   d. likely time that the given product is likely to spend in the         remaining portions of the supply chain before reaching the end         customer.

This information may be collected using one or more of the following means:

-   -   a. Data is input manually.     -   b. The data is transferred from another system, e.g. through an         automated process.     -   c. The data is determined from other information that is         available to the sensor system. For example, if the sensor unit         105 receives power only when a trip is underway, and a gateway         has access to a log which indicates which route a given sensor         unit 105 is traversing, the average time that the sensor pod         receives power on a given route is the average time required to         traverse that route. Those skilled in the art will realize that         other statistics may equally be determined, such as variability         in time to cover the route. Those skilled in the art will also         realize that other data may equally be used, for example         variability in temperature of a refrigerated truck during the         loading and unloading of the truck compared to stable         temperature during transit.     -   d. In some embodiments, sensor pods may include a geolocation         function such as GPS or mobile tower triangulation to facilitate         data collection.     -   e. In some embodiments, a smart phone equipped with a GPS         function may be used to track the movement of the truck in the         Cloud e.g. using an app. The Smart phone may also communicate         with the Internet e.g., using a cellular (e.g., GSM) gateway if         real-time data is needed. The smartphone may also collect data         from the Sensor Node (e.g., using the Bluetooth protocol).

In some embodiments, machine learning is used to estimate transit time based on multiple variables, such as the neural network depicted in FIG. 21. In a preferred embodiment, a neural net may be used. The neural net may have inputs that include route, time of day, day of week, driver, truck identifier and/or other information. The neural net may have outputs that include trip length, trip variability, and/or other parameters e.g. expressed as ranges, for example trip length less than 1 hour, trip length 1 hour to 2 hours, 2 hours to 3 hours, etc. The neural network is trained using techniques known to those knowledgeable in the art, such as back propagation. In some embodiments, the neural network is trained using many other techniques described in the present disclosure with respect to other features (e.g., GSQI, anomaly detection, predictive analytics, etc.).

In some embodiments, an analog neural network may be used, with output values including a numerical value for trip length, trip variability, etc. In some embodiments, the output values for each potential trip will be combined into predicted trip quality value. In some embodiments, the predicted trip quality value for each potential trip is compared, and the potential trip with the largest predicted trip quality value is suggested by the system.

In some embodiments, a predicted GSQI profile is offered for each potential transport option. Such embodiments can utilize all of the methods for determining and predicting GSQI profiles previously discussed. For example, a system could utilize the weather forecast for each of the possible routes of shipment to predict temperature, humidity, and pressure values for the storage environment. Using this information, combined with time for shipping, the system can generate a proposed GSQI profile for the time period of shipment. The system can then suggest the route and/or method of shipment that is predicted to result in the highest GSQI value upon delivery.

In some embodiments, this information may be combined with data on remaining shelf life to determine the optimal distribution order and means of distribution. The algorithm for this will use the perishable item's expected life, real-time environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity), and additional factors important to the business (physical condition including color). The determination is made using one or more of the following algorithms:

-   -   a. Combining these values together using a mathematical equation         that has coefficients to weigh different factors differently;         (for example, if temperature is twice as important as humidity,         temperature could have a coefficient of 2 and humidity could         have a coefficient of 1; this equation may be evaluated for each         item, and distribution may be ordered based on minimizing the         sum, utilizing numerical techniques known to those skilled in         the art); or     -   b. Machine learning, for example, using any of the machine         learning systems disclosed herein or otherwise known in the art.

In some embodiments, real-time data on inventory at the destination may be used as an input to the system to determine where to send a given perishable good. For example, if the real-time data derived from grain in a shipping truck indicates an unforeseen decrease in quality during shipment, the system can suggest rerouting the truck to a closer destination. In some embodiments, a plurality of transport batches is analyzed in real time and each transport batch is matched with the shipping destination that will match the overall quality of all of the batches upon delivery.

Many business decisions can be optimized and/automated using variations on the processes described herein. Thus, many systems and methods for providing such optimization are within the scope of the present disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A sensor unit for detecting or providing information about characteristics of an environment, the sensor unit comprising: (a) an upper enclosure, the upper enclosure containing at least the following: (i) a power supply; (ii) a memory; (iii) a processor, the processor configured to execute instructions in the memory and to read and write data to and from the memory; (iv) a radio receiver; and (v) a radio transmitter; (b) an elongated shaft, the elongated shaft coupled to the upper enclosure; wherein the elongated shaft comprises one or more local shaft sensors, wherein the one or more local shaft sensors comprise at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an oxygen sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, a phosphine sensor, an acoustic sensor, an ethylene sensor, a positioning sensor, an accelerometer, and a pressure sensor; and (c) an antenna, the antenna coupled to the upper enclosure and configured to wirelessly transmit data and receive data; wherein the power supply is coupled to the memory chip, the processor, the radio receiver, the radio transmitter, and the one or more local shaft sensors; the memory chip is coupled to the processor, the radio receiver, the radio transmitter and the one or more local shaft sensors; the processor is coupled to the radio receiver, the radio transmitter, and the one or more local shaft sensors; and the antenna is coupled to the radio transmitter and the radio receiver; wherein the elongated shaft comprises a permeable area, thereby allowing the one or more local shaft sensors to detect the environment; and wherein the sensor unit transmits data and receives data to a cloud computing system via a wireless network.
 2. The sensor unit of claim 1, wherein the one or more local shaft sensors comprises a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor, the first temperature sensor and second temperature sensor located at different positions along the elongated shaft.
 3. The sensor unit of claim 1, wherein the one or more local shaft sensors further comprises a first humidity sensor and a second humidity sensor, the first humidity sensor and second humidity sensor located at different positions along the elongated shaft.
 4. The sensor unit of claim 1, wherein the sensor unit communicates to a cloud computing system over a long-range wireless network.
 5. The sensor unit of claim 4, wherein the long-range wireless network is a cellular network.
 6. The sensor unit of claim 1, wherein the sensor unit communicates with one or more additional sensor devices over a local network.
 7. The sensor unit of claim 6, wherein the local network is a meshing network or a star network.
 8. The sensor unit of claim 6, wherein the sensor unit communities with one or more additional sensor devices over a LoRaWAN network.
 9. The sensor unit of claim 1, wherein the sensor unit further comprises one or more upper enclosure sensors contained in the upper enclosure, wherein the one or more upper enclose sensors is coupled to power supply, the memory chip, the processor, the radio receiver, and the radio transmitter; wherein the one or more upper enclosure sensors comprise at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an oxygen sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, a phosphine sensor, an acoustic sensor, an ethylene sensor, a positioning sensor, an accelerometer, and a pressure sensor; and wherein the upper enclosure comprises a permeable area, thereby allowing the one or more upper enclosure sensors to detect the environment.
 10. The sensor unit of claim 9, wherein the upper enclosure sensors comprise a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor.
 11. The sensor unit of claim 9, wherein the one or more upper enclosure sensors comprises a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a phosphine sensor.
 12. The sensor unit of claim 11, wherein the one or more upper enclosure sensors further comprises at least one of the following: an oxygen sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, an acoustic sensor, a positioning sensor, an accelerometer, and a pressure sensor.
 13. The sensor unit of claim 1, wherein the sensor unit is configured to be in two possible modes: an active mode, in which power from the power supply is delivered to the radio transmitter and the radio receiver, or a sleep mode, in which power from the power supply is not delivered to the radio transmitter or the radio receiver; wherein the sensor unit can switch between the active mode and the sleep mode and between the sleep mode and the active mode.
 14. The sensor unit of claim 13, wherein the sensor unit will switch from the sleep mode to the active mode upon at least one of the following: data received by the sensor unit is outside of a predetermined range or a predetermined set of ranges; data received by the sensor unit is different from or substantially different from a predetermined value or a predetermined set of values; the sensor unit was in the sleep mode for a predetermined time period; the sensor unit detects pressure and/or movement; and the sensor unit detects a wireless signal.
 15. The sensor unit of claim 13, wherein the sensor unit will switch from the sleep mode to the active mode upon detecting a wireless signal.
 16. The sensor unit of claim 15, wherein the wireless signal is a Bluetooth signal.
 17. The sensor unit of claim 13, wherein the sensor unit will automatically transfer data to the cloud computing system upon switching from sleep mode to active mode.
 18. The sensor unit of claim 13, wherein the sensor unit switches from the active mode to the sleep mode upon at least one the following: data received by the sensor unit is within a predetermined range or ranges; data received by the sensor unit is equal to or substantially equal to a predetermined value or values; the sensor unit was in the active mode for a predetermined time period; and the sensor unit cannot find connectivity to a wireless network for a predetermined time period.
 19. The sensor unit of claim 1, wherein the sensor unit transmits data and receives data directly to a cloud computing system via a wireless network. 